Attitudes, perceptions, and usage of electronic cigarettes : an exploratory investigation.

Abstract

This thesis would only be but a dream, if it were not for the inspiration and advice graciously given by my mentors, Dr. Joy Hart, Dr. Kandi Walker, and Clara Sears. I cannot thank you enough for your support, guidance, laughs, and dedication to seeing me complete my thesis. Also, I could not have finished without the encouragement of my family; thank you Mom, Dad, and Kate. Lastly, I am forever grateful to the University of Louisville community for their support in making my thesis possible.

Examining the impact of applicant smoking and vaping habits in job interviews

“…Thus, Study 1 findings provide initial evidence for reactions to vaping in the selection context and suggest that this too is a stigmatized behavior, although not (yet) to the same extent as smoking traditional cigarettes (e.g. Hart, 2017; Keane et al, 2017). These results are mostly in line with Type I processes and their impact on interviewers’ initial impressions (Derous et al, 2016).…”

“…Our results are likely reflective of broader public attitudes toward smoking and vaping, with vaping being generally considered as less harmful and therefore more acceptable than cigarette smoking (Booth et al, 2017). However, while vapers are not as stigmatized as smokers are today, these perceptual differences may dissipate as the health consequences of vaping become clearer and social attitudes around vaping undergo subversion (Hart, 2017). In fact, the latest US Surgeon General’s report advises of the rise in vaping and associated health dangers for youth and young adults (US Department of Health and Human Services, 2016).…”

“…Initial research indicates that social attitudes and reactions toward vaping are more favorable than toward smoking, with vaping in public being perceived as more acceptable and less harmful (Booth et al, 2017). However, other results also show that vaping is viewed as relatively unsafe and unhealthy, suggesting slow shifts in social attitudes (Hart, 2017). Moreover, we still know very little about reactions toward vaping in hiring decisions.…”

“…While initial evidence is concerning, its long-term effects on health are still unclear (Palazzolo, 2013; US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2019). Public perceptions of vaping, albeit likely not as negative as for cigarette use (Booth et al, 2017), are undergoing deterioration (Hart, 2017). We thus also expect worse initial impressions of applicants who are vapers rather than non-smokers.…”