Is impulsivity related to attentional bias in cigarette smokers?

Participants

Nonsmokers (n = 26), light-satiated smokers (n = 25), heavy-satiated smokers (n = 23) and heavy 12-hour nicotine-deprived smokers (n = 30) took part.

Research Aim

A series of experiments systematically assessed relationships between multiple dimensions of impulsivity and attentional bias, at different stages of attention, in smokers varying in nicotine dependency and deprivation. Participants completed the Barratt Impulsivity Scale, delayed discounting task, stop-signal task, information sampling task and a visual dot-probe assessing initial orientation and sustained attention toward smoking-related cues.

Key Findings

Findings indicated that heightened non-planning and motor trait impulsivity may be vulnerability factors in the initiation of smoking, while enhanced motor impulsivity may be a critical risk factor in the transition to heavier, more dependent smoking. In both heavy and light smokers, attentional bias to smoking-related cues and heightened sensitivity to immediate gratification, appear to play a critical role in maintaining smoking. In contrast, reduced inhibitory control and engagement in risky decision-making appear to play a more important role in predicting relapse during early nicotine withdrawal. The lack of significant associations between impulsivity and attentional bias suggests that each play a unique and independent role in the development and maintenance of cigarette smoking.