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 p osited to relate to smoking craving. Design. Heavy smokers and tobacco chip pers, who were either deprived of smoking or not for 7 hours, were exposed to both smoking (a lit cigarette) and control cues. Participants. Smokers n ot currently interested in trying to quit smoking (n = 127) were recruited. Heavy smokers (n = 67) averaged smoking at least 21 cigarettes/day and tob acco chippers (n = 60) averaged 1-5 cigarettes on at least 2 days/week. Mea surements. Measures included urge rating scales and magnitude estimations, a rating of affective valence, a behavioral choice task that assessed perce ived reinforcement value of smoking, several smoking-related judgement task s and a measure of cognitive resource allocation. Findings. Results indicat ed that both deprivation state and smoker type tended to affect responses a cross these measurement domains. Conclusions. Findings support the use of s everal novel measures of craving-related processes in smokers.