Predicting cigarette use initiation and dependence in adolescence using an affect-driven exploration model

Abstract

Adolescent decisions, especially in novel contexts, are often guided by affective evaluations (i.e., feelings associated with a stimulus) rather than knowledge of the risks and probabilities of different outcomes. In this study, we used the affect-driven exploration (ADE) model to illustrate how affective evaluations can play a critical role in driving early use of cigarettes, as well as the adaptive function of the resulting experiential learning in informing future affect and cigarette use. We analyzed five waves of data collected from a large, diverse community sample of adolescents who were followed from early to late adolescence (N = 386; 50.9% female; Baseline age = 11.41 ± 0.88 years) during years 2004–2010 to model trajectories of positive affect and risk perceptions (associated with cigarette use) and examined the associations of these trajectories with their self-reported cigarette use and dependence symptoms. Consistent with the ADE model, early initiators reported higher levels of positive affect at baseline, which we argue may have led them to try cigarettes. Notably, most early initiators reported a decline in positive affect over time, suggesting an experience-based shift in affective evaluations associated with cigarette use. Risk perceptions associated with cigarette use did not emerge as a significant predictor of cigarette use or subsequent dependence. Therefore, for deterring adolescent cigarette use, efforts to influence affect (through graphic warning labels and other media) may be more effective than directly influencing risk perceptions. Despite the affective basis for initiating cigarette use, few adolescents engaged in early use (N = 20) or developed symptoms of dependence (N = 25). Majority of those who engaged in early cigarette use showed a decline in positive affect, with corresponding increase in risk perceptions over time. Some early users may indeed continue to engage in cigarette use, but this is likely driven by the addictive properties of the drug. Overall these findings challenge the popular stereotype of impulsive and emotionally reactive behaviors during adolescence, and suggest a more nuanced interpretation of adolescent risk behavior.

Adolescent Tobacco/Nicotine Use and the Potential Role of Contingency Management-based Interventions

“…Tapping into social and political values of this population by creating personalized donation options within a CM reward system may enhance the effectiveness of this treatment in adolescents. Prior research of the affect-driven model of adolescent exploration supports this hypothesis by suggesting that adolescent decisions are often influenced by feelings associated with a stimulus and social factors rather that the knowledge of outcomes and consequences 51,52 …”

“…Prior research of the affect-driven model of adolescent exploration supports this hypothesis by suggesting that adolescent decisions are often influenced by feelings associated with a stimulus and social factors rather that the knowledge of outcomes and consequences. 51,52 Another core characteristic of Generation Z 49 is a high level of engagement with the digital world. They are avid consumers of technology, and their daily lives are often encompassed mainly within digital environments.…”

Towards a New Dynamic Interaction Model of Adolescent CUD Manifestation, Prevention, and Treatment: A Narrative Review

“…The two main receptors of this system are the cannabinoid CB1 In line with Crone and Dahl's model, the life-span wisdom model (LSWM) posits that risk taking during adolescence is adaptive because being exposed to novel experiences furthers the development of wisdom [34]. However, according to the LSWM, some adolescents who have high sensation-seeking tendencies also exhibit higher impulsive behavior tendencies, which may predispose them to continue using drugs and increase their risk of substance use disorders (SUDs) [35]. Furthermore, recent neurobiological findings show that during adolescence, there are neural changes in brain areas involved in affective processing, cognitive control, and social cognition that influence the relationship between adolescents' social environment and risk taking [36].…”

Adolescents’ own views on their risk behaviors, and the potential effects of being labeled as risk-takers: A commentary and review

“…According to the LSWM, some adolescents with high sensation seeking tendencies also have high levels of impulsive behavior tendencies, which reflect weaker abilities to refrain from immediately rewarding experiences, such as drug use. There is evidence that this tendency increases during adolescence for those with higher levels of impulsivity, thereby predisposing to continued use of drugs and risk for addiction ( Khurana et al, 2018 ; Khurana and Romer, 2021 ; Khurana et al, 2022 ). Such youth also have difficulties in learning from experience because of their heavier attraction to immediate reward, which also increases the risks for addiction and other problem behaviors ( Khurana and Romer, 2021 ).…”