Interaction effects of response inhibition and affectivity in tobacco craving

Abstract

Introduction: Models of nicotine dependence indicate the influence of impulsivity and affectivity in smoking behaviors. However, it is necessary that studies with higher ecological validity are carried out in order to elucidate how impulsivity and affectivity articulate to provoke tobacco craving.

Objective: To evaluate the interaction effects of response inhibition and affectivity in tobacco craving.

Method: The study was carried out with 90 smokers, who were divided into two groups, according to their performance on a parametric Go/No-Go task (higher and lower level of response inhibition). Cue-elicited craving was measured by physiologic responses and self-report, before and after a pleasant or unpleasant affectivity manipulation.

Results: Moderation analysis suggests that response inhibition and unpleasant affect have combined effects in self-report and skin conductance related to tobacco craving. Response inhibition levels seem to increase tobacco craving, but they are independent of pleasant affect.

Discussion and conclusions: Affectivity is a fundamental factor in comprehending the relationship between response inhibition and craving for tobacco. The unpleasant affect is one of the triggers for the desire to smoke, especially for those more impulsive individuals, which have an exaggerated perception of tobacco effect in alleviating unpleasant experiences. It is essential to train techniques to control negative affect stimuli, especially in those individuals with less capacity to inhibit responses.