The purpose of this research study is to investigate the effect of a brief computer task (Approach Avoidance Task) on smoking cessation. The investigators will use a novel training protocol that works to target automatic thoughts and tendencies that occur outside of conscious control. Previous research suggests that these automatic tendencies may have a direct effect on certain health behaviors- like continuing to smoke despite having previous quit attempts. The investigators hypothesize that individuals in the AAT training condition will evidence a greater decrease in reaction times to avoid smoking-related stimuli \& approach positive stimuli relative to those in the control condition. The investigators also expect that individuals in the AAT condition will exhibit superior outcomes on several quit-related variables as evidenced by an increase in motivation to quit smoking, an increase in number of days abstinent following a self-guided quit attempt, an increase in self-efficacy, and a decrease in urge to smoke compared to those in the SHAM training condition.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
52
The Approach Avoidance Task (AAT) used for this experiment is an implicit, computerized paradigm in which participants respond to visually presented pictures on a computer screen displaying either 1) smoking-related images or 2) positive images, by pulling a joystick either towards their body (approach movement) or pushing it away from their body (avoidance movement). By pulling the joystick towards their body, the picture grows in size; by pushing the joystick away, the picture shrinks and then disappears from the screen. Participants are instructed to pull upon seeing an image tilted to the right and to push upon seeing a left-tilt image, while ignoring the image content and responding as quickly and as accurately as possible.
University of Texas at Austin
Austin, Texas, United States
Reaction Time on Approach Avoidance Task
The time between the start of the trial and the picture disappearing from the screen will be recorded. The investigators will look at the change in response times for each individual. The investigators hypothesize that there will be a greater decrease in reaction time for those in the AAT training group.
Time frame: 2 weeks
Motivation to Quit Smoking as assessed by having participants rate their motivation to quit smoking on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being not motivated at all and 10 being extremely motivated to quit).
The investigators expect that individuals in the AAT training condition will have a greater motivation to quit smoking relative to those in the SHAM condition.
Time frame: 2 weeks
Number of Days Abstinent as assessed by daily cigarette count during a self-guided quit attempt.
The investigators hypothesize that individuals in the AAT training condition will be more likely to have a greater number of days abstinent following Quit Day relative to those in the SHAM condition.
Time frame: 2 weeks
Self Efficacy as assessed by the Relapse Situation Self-Efficacy questionnaire.
The investigators expect to see a greater increase in self-efficacy for the AAT training group relative to the SHAM training group.
Time frame: 2 weeks
Urge to Smoke as assessed by the QSU-brief (Questionnaire of Smoking Urges).
The investigators hypothesize that individuals in the AAT training condition will evidence a greater decrease in urge to smoke relative to those in the SHAM condition.
Time frame: 2 weeks
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