Major
Psychology
Minor
Sociology
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Dr. Amanda Joyce
Presentation Format
Oral Presentation
Abstract/Description
The purpose of this project was to examine the associations between nicotine dependency, motives, and the impact of new laws on college student nicotine patterns. Motives for smoking can also be analyzed through categorizing motives into primary and secondary motives (Piasecki, et. al., 2011). Primary motives are reasons such as habit, tolerance, cravings, and loss of control (Piasecki, et. el., 2011). All motives for smoking have been shown to have a positive correlation with nicotine dependence except smoking to lose weight and for socialization (McEwen, et. al., 2008). Yet conflicting research by Aloise-Young, Grant, and Hansen (1994) indicates that smoking status is correlated with the formation of new friend groups. This research is focused on determining the role of socialization in smoking habits, as well as the impact of new legislation limiting youth nicotine use. The goal of this research is to further investigate the motives and accessibility of nicotine in college students and see how that impacts their behaviors. Our results confirmed previous findings in nicotine motives, while also contrasting nicotine habits pre- and post- legislation change. Our results suggest that the legislation increasing the legal age of nicotine purchasing to 21 has been successful in curbing nicotine use in many college students. Future research is needed to further investigate the role of disposable nicotine devices in addiction. This research has implications for all new legislation combating youth addiction.
Spring Scholars Week 2020 Event
Psychology: Completed Projects
Can I Hit Your Juul? Nicotine Motives & Accessibility in College Students
The purpose of this project was to examine the associations between nicotine dependency, motives, and the impact of new laws on college student nicotine patterns. Motives for smoking can also be analyzed through categorizing motives into primary and secondary motives (Piasecki, et. al., 2011). Primary motives are reasons such as habit, tolerance, cravings, and loss of control (Piasecki, et. el., 2011). All motives for smoking have been shown to have a positive correlation with nicotine dependence except smoking to lose weight and for socialization (McEwen, et. al., 2008). Yet conflicting research by Aloise-Young, Grant, and Hansen (1994) indicates that smoking status is correlated with the formation of new friend groups. This research is focused on determining the role of socialization in smoking habits, as well as the impact of new legislation limiting youth nicotine use. The goal of this research is to further investigate the motives and accessibility of nicotine in college students and see how that impacts their behaviors. Our results confirmed previous findings in nicotine motives, while also contrasting nicotine habits pre- and post- legislation change. Our results suggest that the legislation increasing the legal age of nicotine purchasing to 21 has been successful in curbing nicotine use in many college students. Future research is needed to further investigate the role of disposable nicotine devices in addiction. This research has implications for all new legislation combating youth addiction.