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

Medical and behavioral treatment of nicotine dependence

Abrams, D., Goldstein, M., Niaura, R. S., & Abrams, D. S. (n.d.). (A. Stoudemire & B. Fogel, Eds.).

Publication year

1991

Abstract

Abstract

~

Medical and behavioral treatment of nicotine dependence: Nicotine as a drug of abuse

Abrams, D., Goldstein, M., Niaura, R. S., & Abrams, D. S. (n.d.). (A. Stoudemire & B. Fogel, Eds.).

Publication year

1991

Page(s)

541-596

Abstract

Abstract

~

Patient-treatment matching for alcoholic men in communication skills versus cognitive-behavioral mood management training

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

Publication year

1991

Journal title

Addictive Behaviors

Volume

16

Issue

1-2

Page(s)

63-69

10.1016/0306-4603(91)90041-F

Abstract

Abstract

It would be helpful to be able to predict which alcoholics will be more likely to benefit from specific forms of treatment in order to optimize treatment resources. Certain hypothesized patient-treatment matching predictions were investigated with 52 alcoholics who received either communication skills training or cognitive behavioral mood management training in addition to a standard Veterans Administration inpatient alcoholism treatment program. Significant interaction effects showed that alcoholics had worse treatment outcomes in mood management training if they had higher initial anxiety or urge to drink in high-risk role plays or lower education. No significant interaction of treatment with irrational beliefs or marital status was found. Communication skills training seemed to be equally effective for alcoholics at any educational level, irrespective of initial coping skill, anxiety, urge to drink, alcohol dependence, or marital status. Thus, although mood management training seems to be as effective as communication skills training for alcoholics with higher education, less anxiety, and less urge to drink, communication skills training benefits a broader spectrum of patients, regardless of initial level of education, alcohol dependence, skill, anxiety, or beliefs.

Self-Efficacy in Weight Management

Abrams, D., Clark, M. M., Abrams, D. B., Niaura, R. S., Eaton, C. A., & Rossi, J. S. (n.d.).

Publication year

1991

Journal title

Journal of consulting and clinical psychology

Volume

59

Issue

5

Page(s)

739-744

10.1037/0022-006X.59.5.739

Abstract

Abstract

Self-efficacy is an important mediating mechanism in advancing understanding of the treatment of obesity. This study developed and validated the Weight Efficacy Life-Style Questionnaire (WEL), improving on previous studies by the use of clinical populations, cross-validation of the initial factor analysis, exploration of the best fitting theoretical model of self-efficacy, and examination of change in treatment. The resulting 20-item WEL consists of five situational factors: Negative Emotions, Availability, Social Pressure, Physical Discomfort, and Positive Activities. A hierarchical model was found to provide the best fit to the data. Results from two separate clinical treatment studies (total N = 382) show that the WEL is sensitive to changes in global scores as well as to a subset of the five situational factor scores. Treatment programs may be incomplete if they change only a subset of the situational dimensions of self-efficacy. Theoretical and clinical implications are discussed.

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.

Tobacco dependence : An integration of individual and public health perspectives

Abrams, D., Abrams, D. B., Emmons, K. M., Niaura, R. S., Goldstein, M. G., & Sherman, C. B. (n.d.).

Publication year

1991

Journal title

Annual Review of Addictions Research and Treatment

Volume

1

Issue

C

Page(s)

391-436

Abstract

Abstract

~

Usefulness of physical exercise for maintaining smoking cessation in women

Abrams, D., Marcus, B. H., Albrecht, A. E., Niaura, R. S., Abrams, D. B., & Thompson, P. D. (n.d.).

Publication year

1991

Journal title

The American Journal of Cardiology

Volume

68

Issue

4

Page(s)

406-407

10.1016/0002-9149(91)90843-A

Abstract

Abstract

Successful smoking cessation is a problem for many smokers and the 1-year quit ratio among smokers is

Behavioral medicine strategies for medical patients

Abrams, D., Goldstein, M., Guise, B., Ruggiero, L., Raciti, M., & Abrams, D. S. (n.d.). (A. Stoudemire, Ed.).

Publication year

1990

Page(s)

609-629

Abstract

Abstract

~

Communication skills training, communication skills training with family and cognitive behavioral mood management training for alcoholics

Abrams, D., Monti, P. M., Abrams, D. B., Binkoff, J. A., Zwick, W. R., Liepman, M. R., Nirenberg, T. D., & Rohsenow, D. J. (n.d.).

Publication year

1990

Journal title

Journal of Studies on Alcohol

Volume

51

Issue

3

Page(s)

263-270

10.15288/jsa.1990.51.263

Abstract

Abstract

To evaluate three promising social learning approaches to the treatment of alcholism, 69 male alcoholics in standard inpatient treatment participated in either a communication skills training group (CST), a communication skills training group with family participation (CSTF) or a cognitive behavioral mood management training group (CBMMT). Alcoholics who received CST or CSTF drank significantly less alcohol per drinking day during 6-month follow-up than those in CBMMT. The groups did not differ in abstinence rates or latency to relapse. All groups improved in skill and anxiety on the extensive battery of process measures, including role-play tests of general and alcohol-specific coping skills, but those in CST improved most in skill in alcohol-specific high-risk role plays and in ability to relax after the role plays. Alcoholics' skill, specific role plays were highly correlated with treatment outcome, demonstrating the importance of including comprehensive process measures in treatment outcome research. Implications for patient-treatment matching and future research are discussed.

Reducing the risk of cancer through worksite intervention

Abrams, D., Heimendinger, J., Thompson, B., Ockene, J., Sorensen, G., Abrams, D. S., Emmons, K., Varnes, J., Eriksen, M. P., Probart, C., & Himmelstein, J. (n.d.).

Publication year

1990

Journal title

Occupational medicine (Philadelphia, Pa.)

Volume

5

Issue

4

Page(s)

707-723

Abstract

Abstract

This chapter examines existing activities reported in the literature in the areas of smoking, nutrition, and screening; explores the prominent theories of behavior change that have guided some of these activities; and presents a model for worksite cancer prevention programs that is currently being tested in a large trial. A major theme of this chapter is the need for simultaneous changes in individual behaviors and the worksite environment. For each factor (smoking, nutrition, and screening) the discussion is divided into interventions for individuals and those for the environment or organization.

A comparative evaluation of a restrictive smoking policy in a general hospital

Abrams, D., Biener, L., Abrams, D. B., Follick, M. J., & Dean, L. (n.d.).

Publication year

1989

Journal title

American journal of public health

Volume

79

Issue

2

Page(s)

192-195

10.2105/AJPH.79.2.192

Abstract

Abstract

The impact of a restrictive smoking policy on the behavior and attitudes of smokers and non-smokers was assessed by surveying random cross-sectional samples of hospital employees before, six months after and 12 months after the policy was implemented, and comparing responses with those of empolyees of a hospital with no restrictive policy. Effectiveness of policy implementation was also evaluated. Results indicated that the policy was well-publicized and was approved by virtually all the non-smokers and the majority of the smokers. Following implementation, employees in the smoking policy hospital were less likely to report being bothered by smoke at their work stations than were employees of the comparison hospital. Six months and one year after the policy change, smokers reported lower smoking rates while at work, although quit smoking rates and home smoking rates were similar in both hospitals.

A comparative evaluation of a restrictive smoking policy in a general hospital

Abrams, D., Biener, L., Abrams, D. B., Follick, M. J., & Dean, L. (n.d.).

Publication year

1989

Journal title

American Journal of Health Promotion

Volume

3

Issue

4

Page(s)

57

Abstract

Abstract

~

Debunking Myths About Self-Quitting : Evidence From 10 Prospective Studies of Persons Who Attempt to Quit Smoking by Themselves

Abrams, D., Cohen, S., Lichtenstein, E., Prochaska, J. O., Rossi, J. S., Gritz, E. R., Carr, C. R., Orleans, C. T., Schoenbach, V. J., Biener, L., Abrams, D. S., DiClemente, C., Curry, S., Marlatt, G. A., Cummings, K. M., Emont, S. L., Giovino, G., & Ossip-Klein, D. (n.d.).

Publication year

1989

Journal title

American Psychologist

Volume

44

Issue

11

Page(s)

1355-1365

10.1037/0003-066X.44.11.1355

Abstract

Abstract

This article examines data from 10 longterm prospective studies (N > 5,000) in relation to key issues about the self-quitting of smoking, especially those discussed by Schachter. When a single attempt to quit was evaluated, self-quitters' success rates were no better than those reported for formal treatment programs. Light smokers (20 or less cigarettes per day) were 2.2 times more likely to quit than heavy smokers. The cyclical nature of quitting was also examined. There was a moderate rate (mdn = 2.7%) of long-term quitting initiated after the early months (expected quitting window) of these studies, but also a high rate (mdn = 24%) of relapsing for persons abstinent for six months. The number of previous unsuccessful quit attempts was unrelated to success in quitting. Finally, there were few occasional smokers (slips) among successful long-term quitters. We argue that quitting smoking is a dynamic process, not a discrete event.

Effects of behavioral skills training and schedule of nicotine gum administration on smoking cessation

Abrams, D., Goldstein, M. G., Niaura, R., Follick, M. J., & Abrams, D. B. (n.d.).

Publication year

1989

Journal title

American Journal of Psychiatry

Volume

146

Issue

1

Page(s)

56-60

10.1176/ajp.146.1.56

Abstract

Abstract

Eighty-nine smokers were randomly assigned to four nicotine gum treatments for smoking cessation: behavioral treatment plus a fixed schedule of nicotine gum, behavioral treatment plus an ad lib schedule, education plus a fixed schedule, and education plus an ad lib schedule. The four treatment conditions produced similar rates of abstinence (40.9% to 58.3%) at the end of 11 weeks of treatment. However, at 6-month follow-up, the subjects who had received behavioral treatment had a significantly better abstinence rate (36.7%) than those receiving education (17.5%). Nicotine gum schedule had no effect on treatment outcome.

Evaluating worksite smoking policies. Methodologic issues

Abrams, D., Biener, L., Abrams, D. B., Emmons, K., & Follick, M. J. (n.d.).

Publication year

1989

Journal title

New York State Journal of Medicine

Volume

89

Issue

1

Page(s)

5-10

Abstract

Abstract

This paper discusses the methodologic issues one confronts when studying the impact of worksite smoking policies, using one such study as an example. Topic covered include defining the research questions, deciding on timing of measurements in relation to policy implementation, advantages and disadvantages of cohort versus cross-sectional research designs, and alternative measurement techniques. The sample study examined changes over one year in the smoking-related behaviors and attitudes of employees of a hospital that initiated a restrictive smoking policy, in relation to employees of a comparable hospital without a reductive policy. The short term impact on ambient carbon monoxide was also examined. A case is made for studying the impact of smoking policy in the context of other strategies for reducing smoking prevalence at the worksite, such as individual treatment and organization initiatives to motivate smoking cessation.

Irrational beliefs, urges to drink and drinking among alcoholics

Abrams, D., Rohsenow, D. J., Monti, P. M., Zwick, W. R., Nirenberg, T. D., Liepman, M. R., Binkhoff, J. A., & Abrams, D. B. (n.d.).

Publication year

1989

Journal title

Journal of Studies on Alcohol

Volume

50

Issue

5

Page(s)

461-464

10.15288/jsa.1989.50.461

Abstract

Abstract

The relationship of various irrational beliefs to alcohol dependence, urges to drink, anxiety and drinking after treatment was investigated for 63 male alcoholics, using Jones' Irrational Beliefs Test (IBT). Alcohol dependence was most strongly associated with problem avoidance. Urges to drink, anxiety and difficulty during alcohol-related role-plays were strongly correlated with problem avoidance and dwelling on negative events. The IBT was unrelated to pretreatment drinking measures but did predict 6-month posttreatment drinking (n = 48) which suggests these beliefs can mediate treatment response. Feeling doomed by the past was the best predictor of both frequency of drinking and average quantity consumed during follow-up. Treatment implications include targeting specific beliefs for intervention.

Reactivity to high risk situations and smoking cessation outcome.

Abrams, D., Niaura, R., Abrams, D. B., Monti, P. M., & Pedraza, M. (n.d.).

Publication year

1989

Journal title

Journal of substance abuse

Volume

1

Issue

4

Page(s)

393-405

Abstract

Abstract

Smokers' reactions to a laboratory assessment that simulated high-risk-for-smoking-relapse situations were monitored prior to and at the end of treatment for smoking cessation. Measures included self-reported urges to smoke, efficacy, anxiety, behaviorally rated coping effectiveness, and heart rate. Observed pretreatment responses were unrelated to smoking outcome at the end of treatment. Univariate analyses indicated that decreased efficacy and coping effectiveness and increased urges at the end of treatment were related to relapse during 6-month follow-up. However, multivariate analysis demonstrated that these relationships were a function of the end-of-treatment smoking level. When end-of-treatment smoking rate was controlled for statistically, only increased heart rate response during the assessment predicted smoking status at 6 months. The theoretical significance of the findings is discussed.

Reasons for Smoking and Severity of Residual Nicotine Withdrawal Symptoms When Using Nicotine Chewing Gum

Abrams, D., NIAURA, R. S., GOLDSTEIN, M. G., WARD, K. D., & ABRAMS, D. B. (n.d.).

Publication year

1989

Journal title

British Journal of Addiction

Volume

84

Issue

6

Page(s)

681-687

10.1111/j.1360-0443.1989.tb03485.x

Abstract

Abstract

Prior to smoking cessation treatment using nicotine chewing gum, 65 smokers completed the Horn Reasons for Smoking Test, the Fagerstrom Tolerance Questionnaire and were assessed on measures of smoking history including saliva cotinine concentration. These measures were used to predict severity of residual nicotine withdrawal symptoms and urges to smoke assessed on a daily basis during the first 2 weeks of attempted abstinence. Univariate analyses indicated that smoking for reasons of handling, craving and to cope with negative affect correlated positively with both residual withdrawal symptoms and urges during the first week. Smoking for reasons of stimulation and habit were also correlated positively with residual withdrawal, and smoking for pleasure correlated with urges to smoke. After controlling for concurrent level of nicotine gum use, analyses suggested that only smoking for reasons of stimulation predicted residual withdrawal. Urges to smoke were positively related to level of smoking during treatment and also to smoking for reasons of craving and handling. Thus, it appears that individual differences in reasons for smoking influence severity of residual nicotine withdrawal symptoms and urges to smoke while chewing nicotine gum. The findings for stimulation smoking and withdrawal are discussed in terms of the reinforcing properties of nicotine with different routes of administration.

Responses to smoking-related stimuli and early relapse to smoking

Abrams, D., Niaura, R. S., Abrams, D. S., Demuth, B., Pinto, R., & Monti, P. (n.d.).

Publication year

1989

Journal title

Addictive Behaviors

Volume

14

Issue

4

Page(s)

419-428

10.1016/0306-4603(89)90029-4

Abstract

Abstract

Prior to engaging in treatment for smoking cessation, subjects were tested for their responsiveness to cigarette smoking cues. Subjects performed a role-play with a confederate who lit their preferred brand of cigarette. Heart rate (HR) and galvanic skin conductance were assessed continuously, while urge to smoke and anxiety were rated subjectively after the role-play. Three months after treatment ended, subjects were divided into groups of continuous quitters, verified by expired carbon monoxide measurement, and relapsers. The results showed a significant difference between the groups in the pattern of pretreatment HR response to the lighting of the cigarette; relapsers displayed a sharp HR deceleration in response to the stimulus, while quitters' HR did not decelerate. The theoretical and clinical significance of these results is discussed.

Treating alcohol dependence

Abrams, D., Monti, P., Abrams, D. S., Kadden, R., & Conney, N. (n.d.).

Publication year

1989

Abstract

Abstract

~

Cancer, stress and personality: a correlational investigation of life-events, repression-sensitization and locus of control

Abrams, D., Taylor, P., Abrams, D. S., & Hewstone, M. (n.d.).

Publication year

1988

Journal title

British Journal of Medical Psychology

Volume

61 (Pt 2)

Page(s)

179-183

Abstract

Abstract

~

Nicotine dependence as a predictor of treatment failure in a worksite smoking cessation protocol

Abrams, D., Pinto, R., Abrams, D. S., & Monti, P. (n.d.).

Publication year

1988

Journal title

Addictive Behaviors

Volume

12

Page(s)

371-374

Abstract

Abstract

~

Properties of saliva cotinine in young adult light smokers

Abrams, D., Carey, K. B., & Abrams, D. B. (n.d.).

Publication year

1988

Journal title

American journal of public health

Volume

78

Issue

7

Page(s)

842-843

10.2105/AJPH.78.7.842

Abstract

Abstract

The half-life of saliva cotinine and its accuracy at detecting light or intermittent smoking were examined. Five subjects provided daily saliva samples for 23 days and quit smoking on day 4. An average of 2.8 days was required for saliva cotinine to drop below the cutoff for classification as a smoker. All smokers smoked intermittently at various times after day 9. In most cases the smoking of one or two cigarettes was detected in the saliva sample on subsequent days. Saliva cotinine was sensitive to low rates of smoking and to intermittent smoking.

Psychophysiologic reactivity and smoking

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

Publication year

1988

Abstract

Abstract

~

Reactivity to smoking cues and relapse : Two studies of discriminant validity

Abrams, D., Abrams, D. B., Monti, P. M., Carey, K. B., Pinto, R. P., & Jacobus, S. I. (n.d.).

Publication year

1988

Journal title

Behaviour Research and Therapy

Volume

26

Issue

3

Page(s)

225-233

10.1016/0005-7967(88)90003-4

Abstract

Abstract

Little is known about the role that smoking cues play in relapse after smoking cessation. Two studies examined the psychophysiologic, behavioral and cognitive reactions of Ss who participated in a smoking cue-exposure trial (CUET). Study 1 compared male relapsers, long-term quitters and nevers-mokers (controls). Relapsers had significantly higher anxiety and urges to smoke than either quitters or controls. Relapsers also had greater heart-rate (HR) reactivity and were rated by judges as having less effective coping skills than controls. In Study 2 the CUET was tested prospectively in a treatment outcome study for smoking cessation. Responses on the CUET at pre-treatment were related to smoking status at 6 months post-treatment. Prospective quitters had significantly less HR reactivity during the CUET and reported less anxiety than the smokers. There was some lack of consistency across response modes in the results of Studies 1 and 2. Taken together, the two studies suggest that reactivity to smoking cues may play a role in smoking relapse.