Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5477-3007

Semester

Spring

Date of Graduation

2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

MS

College

Eberly College of Arts and Sciences

Department

Psychology

Committee Chair

Melissa Blank

Committee Member

Mariya Cherkasova

Committee Member

Ryan Best

Abstract

Electronic cigarettes (ECIGs) are devices designed to aerosolize nicotine and are increasing in popularity among both former cigarette smokers and naïve tobacco users. Extant research has shown the dependence potential of ECIGs, though there is not a consensus on the severity of nicotine dependence caused by ECIG use. As a result of becoming dependent on nicotine, individuals may experience withdrawal symptoms (i.e., irritable, craving, depressed mood) when abstaining from nicotine. The majority of previous research on ECIG use has included samples of ECIG users who are former or current smokers. The present study evaluated ECIG withdrawal suppression among a population of ECIG users who were never smokers (N=14). Using a within-subjects design, participants completed 3 randomized conditions differing by product used: own brand ECIG, 4mg nicotine gum, or placebo gum. In each experimental session, participants experienced two product use bouts completing subjective and behavioral economics tasks after each bout. Cognitive tasks were administered at the start and conclusion of each session. Results suggest that ECIG use decreases intention to vape and anticipated relief from withdrawal symptoms better than active and placebo gums. ECIGs had the highest levels of satisfaction and relief from withdrawal symptoms as well as the highest crossover point (i.e., point at which money is chosen over product) for the multiple-choice task. Few significant findings were revealed for the cognitive tasks, potentially due to the small sample size. Overall, the results from the present study suggest that ECIGs are better able to relieve withdrawal symptoms and are more satisfying to the user compared to nicotine and placebo gums.

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