Personality Risk Factors for Vape Use amongst Young Adults and Its Consequences for Sleep and Mental Health

Abstract

(1) Background: The surge in vape (e-cigarette) use among young adults is concerning, as there is limited knowledge about risk factors and health consequences. This study explores the personality traits linked to vape use, and associations between vaping and chronotype, sleep quality, and mental health, among young adults. (2) Methods: 316 participants, aged 18–25, completed measurements of mindfulness, rumination, self-compassion, anxiety/depression, chronotype, and sleep quality. (3) Results: the vape user group scored significantly lower on mindfulness, higher on rumination, and lower on self-compassion. Vape users were more likely to be evening types and had significantly lower sleep quality and higher anxiety symptoms, as well as higher alcohol use and loneliness (at trend) (4) Conclusions: These novel findings enhance our understanding of what might predispose young adults to vaping and the potential impact on their mental health and sleep quality. Findings point to specific cognitive/personality traits as vaping risk factors, which could inform intervention strategies.