Grant L. Saba

Date Approved

2025

Degree Type

Open Access Senior Honors Thesis

Department or School

Psychology

First Advisor

Sydney R. Batchelder, Ph.D., BCBA-D

Second Advisor

Rusty McIntyre, Ph.D.

Third Advisor

Natalie L. Dove, Ph.D.

Abstract

This study evaluated the role that use of alcohol and e-cigarettes had in the development of dependence and demand of each other, along with symptoms of depression and anxiety in undergraduate college students. It tested four hypotheses: (1) that these symptoms are related to more frequent e-cigarette use, (2) they are related to problematic alcohol dependence, (3) alcohol demand will be higher in e-cigarette users, and (4) e-cigarette demand will be higher in problematic drinkers. 173 undergraduate students completed self-report inventories describing their alcohol dependence, e-cigarette dependence, depression, and anxiety, along with completing two hypothetical purchase tasks where they were asked how many alcoholic beverages or e-cigarette puffs they would purchase at various prices during a set frame of time. Major findings were (1) any e-cigarette use (either regular or infrequent use) was related to higher alcohol dependence, (2) problematic alcohol use was related to higher e-cigarette dependence, depression, and anxiety, (3) e-cigarette users spend more money on alcohol, are less sensitive price changes, and will consume more alcohol when it is free when compared to nonusers, and (4) problematic drinkers will purchase e-cigarette puffs at higher prices than nonproblematic drinkers. The discussion explains implications for healthcare and policy, as well as limitations of the present study.

Download

Included in

Psychology Commons

Share

COinS