Impulsivity and cigarette craving among adolescent daily and occasional smokers. (June 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mathew, Amanda R.; Burris, Jessica L.; Froeliger, Brett; Saladin, Michael E.; Carpenter, Matthew J.
• Is Part Of: Addictive behaviors. Volume 45(2015)
• Page Start: 134
• Page End: 138
• Publication Date: 2015-06
• Subjects: Smoking -- Impulsivity -- Craving -- Cue reactivity -- Adolescence; Substance abuse -- Periodicals; Alcoholism -- Periodicals; Drug addiction -- Periodicals; Nicotine addiction -- Periodicals; Smoking -- Periodicals; Gambling -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 362.29
• DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2015.01.032
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-4603

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: Impulsivity is a multi-dimensional construct that is robustly related to cigarette smoking. While underlying factors that account for this relation are not well understood, craving has been proposed as a central mechanism linking impulsivity to smoking. In order to further refine our understanding of associations between impulsivity and cigarette craving, the current study examined the association between impulsivity and tonic and cue-elicited craving among a sample of adolescent smokers. We expected trait impulsivity would be positively associated with both tonic and cue-elicited craving, and that this relationship would be stronger among daily vs. occasional smokers. Methods: 106 smokers (ages 16–20) completed the questionnaires and reported their cigarette craving prior to and immediately following presentation of each of three counterbalanced cue types: (a) in vivo smoking, (b) alcohol, and (c) neutral cue. Results: Impulsivity was positively associated with tonic craving for daily smokers ( β = .38; p = .005), but not occasional smokers ( β = .01; p = .95), with a significant impulsivity x smoker group interaction ( β = 1.31; p = .03). Impulsivity was unrelated to craving following smoking or alcohol cue, regardless of smoker group (all p 's > .16). Conclusions: Results suggest a moderated effect in which impulsivity is positively associated with tonic craving for daily smokers, but not occasional smokers. Tonic craving may serve as a mechanism linking impulsivity, smoking persistence, and nicotine dependence among daily smokers. Highlights: Craving may underlie observed relations between impulsivity and cigarette smoking. Examined impulsivity and craving in daily vs. occasional adolescent smokers. Smoker group moderates relationship between impulsivity and tonic craving. For daily smokers, impulsivity associated with tonic, not cue-provoked, craving.