Do expectancies for reinforcement from smoking change after smoking initiation?

Abstract

Expectancies are important predictors of smoking behavior. Recent research suggests that expectancies are not stable, and vary across internal and external states and levels of cigarette consumption. Expectancies may also vary between individuals as a function of temperamental characteristics such as behavioral undercontrol (BU). While pre-initiation expectancies have been linked to subsequent smoking behaviors, no study has assessed the effect of smoking initiation on expectancies. The present study was designed to test the hypotheses that both positive (PRE) and negative (NRE) reinforcement expectancies would increase following initiation, and that these changes would be moderated by BU. College students were interviewed 12-15 months apart. Those who initiated smoking between assessments (n = 69) were included in the present study. Linear mixed models showed a significant increase in PRE but not NRE from pre-to postinitiation. The relationship between NRE and time was moderated by BU, such that higher BU was associated with significantly larger post-initiation increases in NRE. Findings suggest that PRE and NRE change significantly following experience with smoking. Further, undercontrolled, impulsive individuals may be particularly vulnerable to smoking with the intention of alleviating aversive states.

A prospective study of the acquired preparedness model: The effects of impulsivity and expectancies on smoking initiation in college students.

“…However, smoking expectancy research has been consistent with the predictions of the APM as well as with findings from the alcohol literature. For example, smoking expectancies have been associated with impulsivity (Doran, McChargue, & Cohen, 2007; Doran, Schweizer, & Myers, 2011; Urban, 2010). …”

“…While the broad construct of impulsivity has been linked to smoking (Burt, Dinh, Peterson, & Sarason, 2000; Masse & Tremblay, 1997) and to expectancies (Doran, et al, 2007; Doran, Schweizer, et al, 2011; VanderVeen, Cohen, Trotter, & Collins, 2008), most studies have either not distinguished between facets of impulsivity, or have only assessed a single component. Among the latter, sensation seeking has been the best studied, and has been consistently linked to smoking status (Carton, Jouvent, & Widlocher, 1994; Trocki, Drabble, & Midanik, 2009; Zuckerman & Neeb, 1980).…”

“…In a study of responses to nicotine following negative mood induction, more impulsive smokers reported greater negative affect relief after smoking a cigarette with nicotine, but not a placebo cigarette (Doran et al, 2006). Additionally, NRE increased following smoking initiation for college participants high in behavioral undercontrol, a temperamental characteristic similar to impulsivity (Doran, Schweizer, et al, 2011). Finally, recent observational studies suggest that negative urgency may be associated with initiation and experimentation.…”

“…There is preliminary support for the hypothesis that impulsivity is associated with stronger expectancies prior to smoking onset. In a sample of 69 college initiators, behavioral undercontrol was associated with higher expectancies for positive reinforcement from smoking prior to initiation (Doran, Schweizer, et al, 2011). Additionally, alcohol and eating disorder studies clearly indicate that a substantial portion of expectancy formation occurs through observational learning, and precedes the onset of use (Combs, Pearson, & Smith, 2010; Miller, Smith, & Goldman, 1990).…”

Expectancies for Cigarettes, E-Cigarettes, and Nicotine Replacement Therapies Among E-Cigarette Users (aka Vapers)

“…[28][29][30] These fundamental elements of memory are theorized to both organize input to the central nervous system and guide management of behavior, acting as a "final common pathway" that is implicated in connections between a variety of prior conditions (for example, genetic predisposition, social influence, emotional state, personality) and drug use decisions 31,32 . Expectancies have been found to be robust predictors of drug use, including the initiation of cigarette smoking, 33,34 dependence 35 , and relapse after a period of abstinence. 36,37 Expectancies likely play roles in driving both the increased use of e-cigarettes and the lack of NRT usage.…”