David B Abrams

Professor of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Professional overview

Dr. David Abrams' career focuses on systems and social learning frameworks to inform population health enhancement. He has experience in testing theory, research design, measuring mechanisms of behavior change and outcome, and evaluating clinical trials (behavioral and pharmacological). His interests span topics from basic bio-behavioral mechanisms and clinical treatments to policy across risk factors and behaviors (e.g. tobacco/nicotine; alcohol, obesity, co-morbidity of medical and mental health), disease states (cancer; cardiovascular; HIV-AIDS), levels (biological, individual, organizational, worksite, community, global, and internet based), populations and disparities. His interests converge in the domain of implementation science to cost-efficiently inform evidence-based public health practice and policymaking.

Through transdisciplinary and translational research strategies, Dr. Abrams provides scientific leadership in tobacco control. His current focus is in strengthening global and United States tobacco and nicotine management strategies. Deaths of 1 billion smokers are estimated by 2100 caused overwhelmingly by use of combustible (smoked) tobacco products, not nicotine. Harm minimization is a key overarching systems strategy to speed the net public health benefit of emergent disruptive technologies for cleaner nicotine delivery. The goal is more rapid elimination of preventable deaths, disease burdens, and the widening gap in health disparities driven disproportionately by disparities in smoking.

Dr. Abrams was a professor and founding director of the Centers for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine at Brown University Medical School. He then directed the Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Until 2017, he was Professor of Health Behavior and Society at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and the founding Executive Director of the Schroeder National Institute of Tobacco Research and Policy Studies at Truth Initiative (formerly the American Legacy Foundation).

Dr. Abrams has published over 250 peer reviewed scholarly articles and been a Principal Investigator on numerous NIH grants. He is lead author of The Tobacco Dependence Treatment Handbook: A Guide to Best Practices. He has served on expert panels at NIH and National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine on Obesity, Alcohol Misuse and Ending the Tobacco Problem: A Blueprint for the Nation. He has also served on the Board of Scientific Advisors of the National Cancer Institute (NIH-NCI) and was President of the Society of Behavioral Medicine.

For a complete list of Dr. Abrams' published work, click here.

Education

BSc (Hons), Psychology and Computer Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa

MS, Clinical Psychology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ

PhD, Clinical Psychology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ

Postdoctoral Fellow, Brown Medical School, Providence, RI

Honors and awards

Research Laureate Award, American Academy of Health Behavior (2014)

Joseph W. Cullen Memorial Award for Tobacco Research, American Society for Preventive Oncology (2008)

Distinguished Alumni Award: Rutgers University, The Graduate School, New Brunswick, NJ (2007)

The Musiker-Miranda Distinguished Service Award, American Psychological Association (2006)

Distinguished Service Award, Society of Behavioral Medicine (2006)

Outstanding Research Mentor Award, Society of Behavioral Medicine (2006)

Book of the Year Award: Tobacco Dependence Treatment Handbook. American Journal of Nursing (2005)

Distinguished Scientist Award, Society of Behavioral Medicine (1998)

Areas of research and study

Behavioral Science

Chronic Diseases

Evaluations

Implementation and Impact of Public Health Regulations

Implementation science

Population Health

Public Health Pedagogy

Public Health Systems

Research Design

Systems Integration

Systems Interventions

Tobacco Control

Translational science

Publications

Publications

Smoking prevention policies and programs

Abrams, D., Villanti, A., & Abrams, D. S. (n.d.). (M. Gellman & J. Turner, Eds.).

Publication year

2013

Abstract

Abstract

~

Smoking Trajectory Classes and Impact of Social Smoking Identity in Two Cohorts of U.S. Young Adults

Abrams, D., Johnson, A. L., Villanti, A. C., Williams, V., Rath, J. M., Vallone, D. M., Abrams, D. B., Hedeker, D., & Mermelstein, R. J. (n.d.).

Publication year

2019

Journal title

Emerging Adulthood

Volume

7

Issue

4

Page(s)

258-269

10.1177/2167696818763949

Abstract

Abstract

This study describes cigarette smoking trajectories, the influence of social smoker self-identification (SSID), and correlates of these trajectories in two cohorts of U.S. young adults: a sample from the Chicago metropolitan area (Social Emotional Contexts of Adolescent and Young Adult Smoking Patterns [SECAP], n = 893) and a national sample (Truth Initiative Young Adult Cohort Study [YA Cohort], n = 1,491). Using latent class growth analyses and growth mixture models, five smoking trajectories were identified in each sample: in SECAP: nonsmoking (n = 658, 73.7%), declining smoking (n = 20, 2.2%), moderate/stable smoking (n = 114, 12.8%), high/stable smoking (n = 79, 8.9%), and escalating smoking (n = 22, 2.5%); and in YA Cohort: nonsmoking (n = 1,215, 81.5%), slowly declining smoking (n = 52, 3.5%), rapidly declining smoking (n = 50, 3.4%), stable smoking (n = 139, 9%), and escalating smoking (n = 35, 2.4%). SSID was most prevalent in moderate/stable smoking (35.5% SECAP), rapidly declining smoking (25.2% YA Cohort), and nonsmoking. Understanding nuances of how smoking identity is formed and used to limit or facilitate smoking behavior in young adults will allow for more effective interventions to reduce tobacco use.

Smoking withdrawal dynamics in unaided quitters

Abrams, D., Piasecki, T. M., Niaura, R. S., Shadel, W. G., Abrams, D. S., Goldstein, M., Fiore, M. C., & Baker, T. B. (n.d.).

Publication year

2000

Journal title

Journal of abnormal psychology

Volume

109

Issue

1

Page(s)

74-86

10.1037/0021-843X.109.1.74

Abstract

Abstract

Considerable research shows that withdrawal severity is inconsistently related to smoking cessation outcomes. This may result from measurement problems or failure to scrutinize important dimensions of the withdrawal experience. Two recent studies demonstrated that withdrawal elevation and variations in the time course of withdrawal were related to relapse in smokers treated with the nicotine patch (T. M. Piasecki, M. C. Fiore, and T. B. Baker, 1998). This article reports a conceptual replication and extension of those findings in unaided quitters. Evidence for temporal heterogeneity was found across different types of withdrawal symptoms. Patterns or slopes of affect and urge reports over time predicted smoking status at follow-up, as did mean elevation in withdrawal symptoms. These results suggest that affect and urge withdrawal symptoms make independent contributions to relapse and that relapse is related to both symptom severity and trajectory.

Smoking-cessation counseling in the home : Attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors of home healthcare nurses

Abrams, D., Borrelli, B., Hecht, J. P., Papandonatos, G. D., Emmons, K. M., Tatewosian, L. R., & Abrams, D. B. (n.d.).

Publication year

2001

Journal title

American journal of preventive medicine

Volume

21

Issue

4

Page(s)

272-277

10.1016/S0749-3797(01)00369-5

Abstract

Abstract

Background: Despite advances in smoking treatment, cessation rates remain stagnant, possibly a function of the lack of new channels to reach heavily addicted smokers. This cross-sectional study examined home care nurses' attitudes, beliefs, and counseling behaviors regarding counseling their home care patients who smoke. Methods: Home healthcare nurses (N=98) from the Visiting Nurse Association of Rhode Island were randomly selected to participate in a study helping home-bound medically ill smokers to quit. At baseline, nurses completed a questionnaire that assessed a constellation of cognitive factors (self-efficacy, outcome expectations, perceived effectiveness, risk perception, motivation, and perceived patient adherence) as correlates of self-reported nurse counseling behaviors. Results: Nurses with higher outcome expectations spent more time counseling their patients about quitting (p

Smoking-cessation interventions for U.S. young adults : A systematic review

Abrams, D., Villanti, A. C., McKay, H. S., Abrams, D. B., Holtgrave, D. R., & Bowie, J. V. (n.d.).

Publication year

2010

Journal title

American journal of preventive medicine

Volume

39

Issue

6

Page(s)

564-574

10.1016/j.amepre.2010.08.009

Abstract

Abstract

Context: Studies have demonstrated the importance of quitting smoking before age 30 years to avoid tobacco-related mortality but little attention has been paid to developing evidence-based smoking-cessation interventions for young adults, as distinct from adolescents and older-aged adults. The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review of smoking-cessation interventions for U.S. young adults (aged 1824 years). Evidence acquisition: Electronic searches were conducted in CINAHL, the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, and Sociological Abstracts to identify eligible interventions through August 31, 2009. Two independent coders critically evaluated the methodology and findings of all retrieved articles. Data analysis was conducted in 2010. Evidence synthesis: Twelve RCTs and two nonrandomized studies met the inclusion criteria; these studies varied with respect to sample size, intervention, outcomes assessed, and smoking measures. Pooled results for two studies based on social cognitive theory indicated that they were effective in promoting short-term abstinence at 13-month follow-up and 46-month follow-up. Four studies had a significant positive impact on smoking cessation: two in the short term and two at 6 months or more. Conclusions: There is limited evidence demonstrating efficacy of smoking-cessation interventions for U.S. young adults. There were no pharmacologic interventions included in this review. Promising interventions were brief, with extended support via telephone and electronic media. Further high-quality studies using standardized smoking measures and additional studies outside the college setting are needed to identify and tailor effective smoking-cessation interventions for at-risk young adults in the U.S.

Social learning approaches to alcohol relapse : Selected illustrations and implications

Abrams, D., Monti, P. M., Rohsenow, D. J., Abrams, D. B., & Binkoff, J. A. (n.d.).

Publication year

1988

Journal title

NIDA Research Monograph Series

Issue

84

Page(s)

141-160

Abstract

Abstract

~

Social learning principles for organizational health promotion: An integrated approach

Abrams, D., Abrams, D. S., Elder, J., Carleton, R., Lassater, T., & Artz, L. (n.d.). (M. Cataldo & T. Coates, Eds.).

Publication year

1986

Page(s)

28-51

Abstract

Abstract

~

Social learning theory of alcohol abuse

Abrams, D., Abrams, D. S., & Niaura, R. S. (n.d.). (H. Blane & K. Leonard, Eds.).

Publication year

1986

Abstract

Abstract

~

Social learning theory of alcohol use and abuse

Abrams, D., Abrams, D. S., & Niaura, R. S. (n.d.). (H. Blane & K. Leonard, Eds.).

Publication year

1987

Page(s)

131-178

Abstract

Abstract

~

Social network structure of a large online community for smoking cessation

Abrams, D., Cobb, N. K., Graham, A. L., & Abrams, D. B. (n.d.).

Publication year

2010

Journal title

American journal of public health

Volume

100

Issue

7

Page(s)

1282-1289

10.2105/AJPH.2009.165449

Abstract

Abstract

Objectives. We evaluated the social network structure of QuitNet, one of the largest online communities for behavior change, and compared its characteristics to other known social networks. Methods. Using modern network analysis methods, we identified QuitNet members who were active during a 60-day period, along with their ties. We then derived multiple subgroups, such as key players and integrators, from connections and communication patterns. Results. Among 7569 participants, we identified 103592 connections to other members. Metrics of social network integration were associated with increased likelihood of being female, being older, having been in the system longer, and not smoking. Conclusions. The QuitNet community is a large-scale social network with the characteristics required for sustainability of social support and social influence to promote smoking cessation and abstinence. These characteristics include persistence of members over time, heterogeneity of smoking status, and evidence of rich, bidirectional communications. Some of the influential subgroups we identified may provide targets for future network-level Interventions.

Social support in smoking cessation : In search of effective interventions

Abrams, D., Lichtenstein, E., Glasgow, R. E., & Abrams, D. B. (n.d.).

Publication year

1986

Journal title

Behavior Therapy

Volume

17

Issue

5

Page(s)

607-619

10.1016/S0005-7894(86)80098-3

Abstract

Abstract

The results of five recent smoking cessation studies from three separate research programs are summarized. Each study compared a basic cognitive-behavioral cessation program to the same program plus a component designed to enhance social support. Four of the studies found process or correlational data linking social support to outcomes. Nevertheless, there were no significant between-groups smoking-outcome differences in any of the five studies. Several explanations for these findings are considered and it is concluded that social support deserves further consideration in interventions for smoking reduction. Suggestions for future research are offered.

Social, Behavioral and Economic Research on the Federal Context

Abrams, D., Bachrach, C., Abrams, D. S., Lightfoot, D., Kielman, J., & Weiss, M. (n.d.).

Publication year

2009

Abstract

Abstract

~

Socioeconomic status over the life course and stages of cigarette use : Initiation, regular use, and cessation

Abrams, D., Gilman, S. E., Abrams, D. B., & Buka, S. L. (n.d.).

Publication year

2003

Journal title

Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health

Volume

57

Issue

10

Page(s)

802-808

10.1136/jech.57.10.802

Abstract

Abstract

Study objective: To investigate the association between multiple indicators of socioeconomic status (SES) over the life course and three stages of cigarette use: initiation, regular use, and cessation. Design: Prospective birth cohort study. Setting: Providence, Rhode Island. Participants: Subjects (n=657) aged 30 to 39 were offspring of participants in the Brown University cohort of the United States National Collaborative Perinatal Project started in 1959. Main results: A significantly increased risk of smoking initiation was observed among people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Low SES in childhood also increased the risk for progression to regular smoking, and was associated with a reduced likelihood of smoking cessation. Progression to regular smoking and smoking persistence were also associated with lower adult SES. Conclusions: Socioeconomic conditions over the life course accumulate to produce increased rates of smoking uptake and reduced rates of cessation among lower SES people. Addressing SES gradients in smoking will require persistent and extended intervention over multiple life stages.

Stages of change versus addiction : A replication and extension

Abrams, D., Abrams, D. B., Herzog, T. A., Emmons, K. M., & Linnan, L. (n.d.).

Publication year

2000

Journal title

Nicotine and Tobacco Research

Volume

2

Issue

3

Page(s)

223-229

10.1080/14622200050147484

Abstract

Abstract

Data from the Working Well trial (n = 2379) were used to test the capacity of 19 variables to predict smoking cessation at 1- and 2-year follow-ups. Among the core constructs of transtheoretical model (TTM), stage of change was the best predictor. The processes of change and the pros and cons of smoking were relatively ineffective predictors. Among other variables, self-efficacy, cigarettes per day, duration of longest quit attempt during the previous year, and the contemplation ladder were the most effective stand-alone predictors. A composite of cigarettes per day and quit duration was particularly effective for predicting cessation. Consistent with Farkas et al. (Farkas AJ, Pierce JP, Zhu SH, Rosbrook B, Gilpin EA, Berry C, Kaplan RM, Addiction 91:1271-1280, 1996), multivariate analyses including the composite variable (cigarettes per day and quit duration) and the stages of change revealed the composite variable to be the better predictor of cessation.

Stopping smoking : A hazard for people with a history of major depression?

Abrams, D., Niaura, R. S., & Abrams, D. S. (n.d.).

Publication year

2001

Journal title

Lancet

Volume

357

Issue

9272

Page(s)

1900-1901

10.1016/S0140-6736(00)05089-3

Abstract

Abstract

~

Stress and anxiety after 9/11: a prospective study

Abrams, D., Bock, B., Becker, B., Partridge, R., Niaura, R. S., & Abrams, D. S. (n.d.).

Publication year

2003

Journal title

Medicine and Health Rhode Island

Volume

86

Issue

11

Page(s)

340-341

Abstract

Abstract

~

Study protocol for a telephone-based smoking cessation randomized controlled trial in the lung cancer screening setting : The lung screening, tobacco, and health trial

Abrams, D., Taylor, K. L., Deros, D. E., Fallon, S., Stephens, J., Kim, E., Lobo, T., Davis, K. M., Luta, G., Jayasekera, J., Meza, R., Stanton, C. A., Niaura, R. S., Abrams, D. B., McKee, B., Howell, J., Ramsaier, M., Batlle, J., Dornelas, E., … Anderson, E. (n.d.).

Publication year

2019

Journal title

Contemporary Clinical Trials

Volume

82

Page(s)

25-35

10.1016/j.cct.2019.05.006

Abstract

Abstract

Lung cancer mortality can be reduced by 20% via low dose CT lung cancer screening (LCS) and treatment of early-stage disease. Providing tobacco use treatment to high risk cigarette smokers in the LCS setting may result in health benefits beyond the impact of LCS. As one of the nine trials in the National Cancer Institute's Smoking Cessation at Lung Examination (SCALE) collaboration, the goal of the Lung Screening, Tobacco, and Health (LSTH) trial is to develop a scalable and cost-effective cessation intervention for subsequent implementation by LCS programs. Guided by the RE-AIM Framework, the LSTH trial is a two-arm RCT (N = 1330) enrolling English- and Spanish-speaking smokers registered for LCS at one of seven collaborating sites. Participants are randomly assigned to Usual Care (UC; three proactive telephone counseling sessions/two weeks of nicotine patches) vs. Intensive Telephone Counseling (ITC; eight proactive sessions/eight weeks of nicotine patches, plus discussion of the LCS results to increase motivation to quit). Telephone counseling is provided by tobacco treatment specialists. To increase continuity of care, referring physicians are notified of participant enrollment and smoking status following the intervention. Outcomes include: 1) self-reported 7-day, 30-day, and sustained abstinence, and biochemically-verified at 3-, 6-, and 12-months post-randomization, 2) reach and engagement of the interventions, and 3) cost-effectiveness of the interventions. The Cancer Intervention and Surveillance Modeling Network (CISNET) will model long-term impacts of six SCALE trials on the cost per life year saved, quality-adjusted life years saved, lung cancer mortality reduction, and population mortality. Clinical trials registration: The trial is registered at clinical trials.gov: NCT03200236.

Symptoms of depression and survival experience among three samples of smokers trying to quit

Abrams, D., Niaura, R., Britt, D. M., Shadel, W. G., Goldstein, M., Abrams, D., & Brown, R. (n.d.).

Publication year

2001

Journal title

Psychology of Addictive Behaviors

Volume

15

Issue

1

Page(s)

13-17

10.1037/0893-164X.15.1.13

Abstract

Abstract

Symptoms of depression have been associated with increased smoking prevalence and failure to quit smoking in several cross-sectional and population-based studies. Few studies, however, have prospectively examined the ability of current symptoms of depression to predict failure to quit smoking in treatment-motivated smokers. Pretreatment depressed mood was assessed by 3 different methods in 3 separate samples, 2 of which comprised smokers receiving combined pharmacological and behavioral treatments and a 3rd in which smokers received self-help materials only. In all studies, time in days from quit day until the 1st cigarette was ascertained to document survival. Survival analyses showed that in all 3 studies survival time was significantly and negatively related to measures of even very low levels of pretreatment depressed mood. Results were replicated across 3 independent samples and were robust and uniformly clear, indicating that low levels of depressive symptoms assessed at baseline predict time to 1st cigarette smoked after attempted quitting.

Taking an individualized approach to the assessment of self-efficacy and the prediction of alcoholic relapse

Abrams, D., Miller, K. J., McCrady, B. S., Abrams, D. B., & Labouvie, E. W. (n.d.).

Publication year

1994

Journal title

Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment

Volume

16

Issue

2

Page(s)

111-120

10.1007/BF02232722

Abstract

Abstract

The present study reports on a clinical instrument designed for assessing self-efficacy in alcoholics. In contrast to studies that construct general measures, it was proposed that taking an individualized approach to assessment might offer an effective methodology. Thirty-four alcoholics in an outpatient, behaviorally oriented treatment program participated as subjects. During therapy, an Individualized Self-Efficacy Survey (ISS) was developed for each subject. The ISS was developed by (a) administering the Drinking Patterns Questionnaire (DPQ) to identify important problem areas (e.g., work, children, marital) and specific drinking antecedents and (b) constructing a 15-item scale using each drinker's most important cues. The utility of having clients choose their own items was supported by finding a significant relationship between problem areas identified as important on the DPQ and the areas reported as surrounding relapse. ISS ratings were reflective of efficacy changes during treatment, while posttreatment ISS scores were predictive of subsequent relapse. Situation-specific prediction of relapse was not found. The advantages of this methodology for clinical use are discussed, while general directions for future research are suggested.

The application of a decision-theoretic model to estimate the public health impact of vaporized nicotine product initiation in the United States

Abrams, D., Levy, D. T., Borland, R., Villanti, A. C., Niaura, R. S., Yuan, Z., Zhang, Y., Meza, R., Holford, T. R., Fong, G. T., Cummings, K. M., & Abrams, D. B. (n.d.).

Publication year

2017

Journal title

Nicotine and Tobacco Research

Volume

19

Issue

2

Page(s)

149-159

10.1093/ntr/ntw158

Abstract

Abstract

Introduction: The public health impact of vaporized nicotine products (VNPs) such as e-cigarettes is unknown at this time. VNP uptake may encourage or deflect progression to cigarette smoking in those who would not have otherwise smoked, thereby undermining or accelerating reductions in smoking prevalence seen in recent years. Methods: The public health impact of VNP use are modeled in terms of how it alters smoking patterns among those who would have otherwise smoked cigarettes and among those who would not have otherwise smoked cigarettes in the absence of VNPs. The model incorporates transitions from trial to established VNP use, transitions to exclusive VNP and dual use, and the effects of cessation at later ages. Public health impact on deaths and life years lost is estimated for a recent birth cohort incorporating evidence-informed parameter estimates. Results: Based on current use patterns and conservative assumptions, we project a reduction of 21% in smoking-attributable deaths and of 20% in life years lost as a result of VNP use by the 1997 US birth cohort compared to a scenario without VNPs. In sensitivity analysis, health gains from VNP use are especially sensitive to VNP risks and VNP use rates among those likely to smoke cigarettes. Conclusions: Under most plausible scenarios, VNP use generally has a positive public health impact. However, very high VNP use rates could result in net harms. More accurate projections of VNP impacts will require better longitudinal measures of transitions into and out of VNP, cigarette and dual use. Implications: Previous models of VNP use do not incorporate whether youth and young adults initiating VNP would have been likely to have been a smoker in the absence of VNPs. This study provides a decision-theoretic model of VNP use in a young cohort that incorporates tendencies toward smoking and shows that, under most plausible scenarios, VNP use yields public health gains. The model makes explicit the type of surveillance information needed to better estimate the effect of new products and thereby inform public policy.

The Changing Landscape of Tobacco Control Current Status and Future Directions

Abrams, D., Abrams, D. S., Villanti, A., & Warner, K. (n.d.).

Publication year

2014

Page(s)

845-64

Abstract

Abstract

~

The Contemplation Ladder : validation of a measure of readiness to consider smoking cessation.

Abrams, D., Biener, L., & Abrams, D. B. (n.d.).

Publication year

1991

Journal title

Health psychology : official journal of the Division of Health Psychology, American Psychological Association

Volume

10

Issue

5

Page(s)

360-365

10.1037/0278-6133.10.5.360

Abstract

Abstract

Presents evidence for the validity of the Contemplation Ladder, a measure of readiness to consider smoking cessation. Analyses of data collected from more than 400 smokers at two worksites before and during a 10-month intervention indicate that Ladder scores were significantly associated with reported intention to quit, number of previous quit attempts, perceived co-worker encouragement to quit, and socioeconomic status. Ladder scores predicted subsequent participation in programs designed to educate workers about their smoking habit and its contingent risks. The Ladder did not predict biochemically validated abstinence of 24 hr or more. To assess its ability to distinguish between groups known a priori to differ in readiness, we administered the Ladder to 36 participants in a clinic-based smoking cessation program. As predicted, clinic patients scored significantly higher than the workers on the Ladder. The importance of distinguishing between smokers at the lowest stages of readiness to quit is discussed.

The effects of cue exposure on reaction time in male alcoholics

Abrams, D., Sayette, M. A., Monti, P. M., Rohsenow, D. J., Gulliver, S. B., Colby, S. M., Sirota, A. D., Niaura, R., & Abrams, D. B. (n.d.).

Publication year

1994

Journal title

Journal of Studies on Alcohol

Volume

55

Issue

5

Page(s)

629-633

10.15288/jsa.1994.55.629

Abstract

Abstract

The present study investigates reaction time (RT) as a measure of attentional deficits produced during alcohol cue exposure. Twenty-four male alcoholic patients responded to a series of computer-generated tones as rapidly as possible during baseline and again during either an alcohol cue exposure period or exposure to a control beverage (water). Patients required increased time to respond to the tones when exposed to alcohol cues. No such increase in RT was found during exposure to a control beverage. In addition, RT was significantly correlated with self-reported urge to drink. These data provide initial validation for the use of RT as an objective measure of cue reactivity. Both theoretical and clinical implications for the use of RT as a measure of the effects of cue exposure are discussed.

The effects of expectations of self-intoxication and partner's drinking on anxiety in dyadic social interaction

Abrams, D., Wilson, G. T., Perold, E. A., & Abrams, D. B. (n.d.).

Publication year

1981

Journal title

Cognitive Therapy and Research

Volume

5

Issue

3

Page(s)

251-264

10.1007/BF01193409

Abstract

Abstract

Thirty-two male social drinkers were randomly assigned to four conditions in a 2 ×2 factorial design that controlled for differential expectations concerning alcohol consumption in a dyadic social interaction. Subjects were led to believe that they had consumed either alcohol or tonic water (no alcohol was actually administered)prior to interacting with a female confederate. Half of each of these groups were told that the confederate was another subject in the study who had just consumed a moderate amount of alcohol; the other half were simply informed that the confederate was another subject. Multiple measures of anxiety, including heart rate, observational ratings, and self-report, were obtained. Subjects who believed that the female had been drinking showed significantly less anxiety than their counterparts who did not have this information. There were no major effects of the self-intoxication expectation. The theoretical significance of these findings is discussed.

The efficacy of exercise as an aid for smoking cessation in women : A randomized controlled trial

Abrams, D., Marcus, B. H., Albrecht, A. E., King, T. K., Parisi, A. F., Pinto, B. M., Roberts, M., Niaura, R. S., & Abrams, D. B. (n.d.).

Publication year

1999

Journal title

Archives of Internal Medicine

Volume

159

Issue

11

Page(s)

1229-1234

10.1001/archinte.159.11.1229

Abstract

Abstract

Background: Smoking prevalence rates among women are declining at a slower rate than among men. Objective: To determine if exercise, a healthful alternative to smoking, enhances the achievement and maintenance of smoking cessation. Methods: Two hundred eighty-one healthy, sedentary female smokers were randomly assigned to either a cognitive-behavioral smoking cessation program with vigorous exercise (exercise) or to the same program with equal staff contact time (control). Subjects participated in a 12-session, group- based smoking cessation program. Additionally, exercise subjects were required to attend 3 supervised exercise sessions per week and control subjects were required to participate in 3 supervised health education lectures per week. Abstinence from smoking was based on self-report, was verified by saliva cotinine level, and was measured at 1 week after quit day (week 5), end of treatment (week 12), and 3 and 12 months later (20 and 60 weeks after quit day, respectively). Results: Compared with control subjects (n = 147), exercise subjects (n = 134) achieved significantly higher levels of continuous abstinence at the end of treatment (19.4% vs 10.2%, P = .03) and 3 months (16.4% vs 8.2%, P = .03) and 12 months (11.9% vs 5.4%, P = .05) following treatment. Exercise subjects had significantly increased functional capacity (estimated VO2 peak, 25 ± 6 to 28 ± 6, P