A multi-dimensional analysis of cue-elicited craving in heavy smokers and tobacco chippers

Aims. This research examined the performance of a broad range of measures posited to relate to smoking craving. Design. Heavy smokers and tobacco chippers, who were either deprived of smoking or not for 7 hours, were exposed to both smoking (a lit cigarette) and control cues. Participants. Smokers not currently interested in trying to quit smoking (n = 127) were recruited. Heavy smokers (n = 67) averaged smoking at least 21 cigarettes/day and tobacco chippers (n = 60) averaged 1-5 cigarettes on at least 2 days/week. Measurements. Measures included urge rating scales and magnitude estimations, a rating of affective valence, a behavioral choice task that assessed perceived reinforcement value of smoking, several smoking-related judgement tasks and a measure of cognitive resource allocation. Findings. Results indicated that both deprivation state and smoker type tended to affect responses across these measurement domains. Conclusions. Findings support the use of several novel measures of craving-related processes in smokers.