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

Managing the obese patient

Abrams, D., & Follick, M. (n.d.).

Publication year

1987

Journal title

Practicum

Nicotine dependence and likelihood of quitting smoking

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

Publication year

1987

Journal title

Addictive Behaviors

Volume

12

Issue

4

Page(s)

371-374

10.1016/0306-4603(87)90052-9

Abstract

Abstract

This study examined the hypothesis that high nicotine dependent smokers would have more difficulty with initial cessation of smoking than low dependent smokers as measured by the Fagerstrom Tolerance Questionnaire (FTQ). Two replications of a nicotine-fading smoking program were conducted at different worksites. Significantly less heavily dependent smokers quit smoking during treatment. The correlation between the FTQ and smoking rate at posttreatment remained even when the pretreatment rate of smoking was partialled out. It was concluded that the concept of nicotine dependence should be re-examined especially in the context of improving the quit rates of behavioral programs at the worksite.

Psychosocial stress and coping in smokers who relapse or quit.

Abrams, D. B., Monti, P. M., Pinto, R. P., Elder, J. P., Brown, R. A., & Jacobus, S. I. (n.d.).

Publication year

1987

Journal title

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

Volume

6

Issue

4

Page(s)

289-303

10.1037/0278-6133.6.4.289

Abstract

Abstract

Relapse remains a major problem in successful smoking cessation. This study evaluated selected responses and coping skills in male and female quitters and relapsers in four situational contexts: general social competence, smoking-specific "high-risk-for-relapse" situations, social anxiety, and relaxation. Results showed that quitters coped better than relapsers with intrapersonal (e.g., negative mood) smoking-specific situations. Quitters had lower heart rates than relapsers during relaxation and intrapersonal situations and had lower anxiety scores at the end of the procedures. Women showed more stress and less confidence in their ability to cope than did men. Groups did not differ in responses to the general social competence and social anxiety procedures. Results are discussed in the context of the importance of considering individual differences in responses and in coping skills for treatment and relapse prevention for smokers.

Reactivity of Alcoholics and Nonalcoholics to Drinking Cues

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

Publication year

1987

Journal title

Journal of abnormal psychology

Volume

96

Issue

2

Page(s)

122-126

10.1037/0021-843X.96.2.122

Abstract

Abstract

An interest in reducing relapse among alcoholics has led to a consideration of stimulus control factors in drinking. Research suggests that through classical conditioning alcoholics may develop reactions to cues previously associated with drinking and that these reactions might be an important determinant of relapse. Although this model indicates the potential for cue exposure treatment methods to alter conditioned reactions, data on reactivity to alcohol cues by alcoholics and nonalcoholics are scarce. Two studies are presented that address this issue and provide evidence for the validity of salivation as a measure of cue reactivity. Alcoholics and nonalcoholics were presented with the sight and smell of their preferred brand of alcohol and a control beverage. Self-report, behavioral, and psychophysiological data were collected. Alcoholics salivated more than nonalcoholics to alcohol cues and more to alcohol than to the control beverage. Alcoholics salivated differentially to cues, whereas nonalcoholics did not. Patterns of reactivity were consistent with a conditioning model. Both groups reported greater urges to drink alcohol in the presence of alcohol, but neither group reported more thoughts about alcohol in the presence of alcohol as compared with the control beverage. Implications of salivary reactivity for theory and treatment are discussed.

Saliva cotinine as a measure of smoking status in field settings

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

Publication year

1987

Journal title

American journal of public health

Volume

77

Issue

7

Page(s)

846-848

10.2105/AJPH.77.7.846

Abstract

Abstract

The accuracy and reliability of saliva cotinine as an objective measure of smoking status was examined in two field studies. In Study I, saliva was collected from smokers and nonsmokers with repeated samples taken from a randomly selected subset of the smokers. Results indicated perfect classification of smokers versus nonsmokers and acceptable reliability of repeated samples. Study II investigated the accuracy of saliva cotinine in detecting recent quitters in a worksite smoking cessation program. Saliva cotinine showed greater accuracy than expired carbon monoxide at detecting quitters, provided they were abstinent for at least seven days. From pre- to post-treatment, subject's saliva cotinine levels dropped 19 per cent while self-reported rate of smoking dropped 54 per cent. Saliva collection in the field is feasible and cotinine appears to be one of the more sensitive assays currently available for epidemiologic and clinical applications.

Social learning theory of alcohol use and abuse

Abrams, D., & Niaura, R. (n.d.). In H. Blane & K. Leonard (Eds.), Psychological theories of drinking and alcoholism (1–).

Publication year

1987

Page(s)

131-178

Understanding the smoking problem and how to help patients stop: current status of the field. New behavioral treatments prompt cautious optimism on controlling tobacco addiction.

Abrams, D. B. (n.d.).

Publication year

1987

Journal title

Rhode Island medical journal

Volume

70

Issue

3

Page(s)

121-126

Worksite weight loss: Current status and future potential

Follick, M., Fowler, J., Abrams, D., & Sobel, H. (n.d.). In W. Johnson (Ed.), Advances in eating disorders (1–).

Publication year

1987

Volume

1

Clinical advances in treatment of smoking and alcohol addiction

Abrams, D., & Wilson, G. (n.d.). In A. Frances & R. Hales (Eds.), The American Psychiatric Association: Annual review, psychiatric update (1–).

Publication year

1986

Volume

5

Comparative effectiveness of three types of spouse involvement in outpatient behavioral alcoholism treatment

McCrady, B. S., Noel, N. E., Abrams, D. B., Stout, R. L., Nelson, H. F., & Hay, W. M. (n.d.).

Publication year

1986

Journal title

Journal of Studies on Alcohol

Volume

47

Issue

6

Page(s)

459-467

10.15288/jsa.1986.47.459

Abstract

Abstract

Treatment was provided to 53 alcoholics and their spouses in one of three outpatient behavioral treatment conditions: minimal spouse involvement (MSI) (N = 21), alcohol-focused spouse involvement (AFSI) (N = 13) or alcohol-focused spouse involvement plus behavioral marital therapy (ABMT) (N = 19). Subjects were followed for 6 months after treatment. All subjects markedly decreased their drinking and reported increased life satisfaction. ABMT subjects were more compliant than AFSI subjects with conjoint homework assignments, decreased their drinking more quickly during treatment, relapsed more slowly after treatment and maintained marital satisfaction better. ABMT subjects were more likely than MSI subjects to stay in treatment and maintained their marital satisfaction better after treatment. Clinical and theoretical significance of the findings are discussed.

How to help patients stop smoking

Abrams, D. (n.d.).

Publication year

1986

Journal title

Practicum

Volume

1

Page(s)

10-13

Models of smoking relapse.

Shiffman, S., Shumaker, S. A., Abrams, D. B., Cohen, S., Garvey, A., Grunberg, N. E., & Swan, G. E. (n.d.).

Publication year

1986

Journal title

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

Volume

5

Page(s)

13-27

10.1037/0278-6133.5.suppl.13

Obesity and type II diabetes: Behavioral medicine's contribution

Abrams, D., Steinberg, J., Follick, M., & Raciti, M. (n.d.).

Publication year

1986

Journal title

Behavioral Medicine Abstracts

Volume

7

Page(s)

1-4

Organizational and community approaches to community-wide prevention of heart disease: The first two years of the pawtucket heart health program

Elder, J. P., McGraw, S. A., Abrams, D. B., Ferreira, A., Lasater, T. M., Longpre, H., Peterson, G. S., Schwertfeger, R., & Carleton, R. A. (n.d.).

Publication year

1986

Journal title

Preventive Medicine

Volume

15

Issue

2

Page(s)

107-117

10.1016/0091-7435(86)90081-2

Abstract

Abstract

The Pawtucket Heart Health program (PHHP) is a federally funded research and demonstration project for the primary prevention of coronary heart disease (CHD) in a community. This article presents a discussion of the first 26 months of this intervention, divided into its three phases. PHHP staff initially approached the intervention city through local organizations to accomplish risk-factor behavior change in the population. After 11 months, PHHP complemented its programs in organizations with activities open to all city residents, in order to accelerate participation by the population. Seven months into this phase, it was decided that community activities should be the major focus of the intervention approach to assure a level of participation adequate to make a measurable impact. The third phase has shown the greatest percentage of public participation, demonstrating the complementary nature of organization and community interventions and of the translation of social learning theory into principles for primary prevention in a community.

Roles of psychosocial stress, smoking cues, and coping in smoking relapse prevention

Abrams, D. (n.d.).

Publication year

1986

Journal title

Health Psychology

Volume

5

Page(s)

91-92

Social learning principles for organizational health promotion: An integrated approach

Abrams, D., Elder, J., Carleton, R., Lassater, T., & Artz, L. (n.d.). In M. Cataldo & T. Coates (Eds.), Behavioral medicine in industry (1–).

Publication year

1986

Page(s)

28-51

Social learning theory of alcohol abuse

Abrams, D., & Niaura, R. (n.d.). In H. Blane & K. Leonard (Eds.), Psychological theories of drinking and alcoholism (1–).

Publication year

1986

Social support in smoking cessation: In search of effective interventions

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.

The relevance of social skills training for alcohol and drug abuse problems

Monti, P., Abrams, D., Zwick, W., & Binkoff, J. (n.d.). In C. Hollin & P. Trower (Eds.), Handbook of social skills training (1–).

Publication year

1986

Understanding relapse and recovery in alcohol abuse

Abrams, D., Niaura, R., Carey, K., Binkoff, J., & Monti, P. (n.d.).

Publication year

1986

Journal title

Annals of Behavioral Medicine

Volume

8

Page(s)

27-32

Participant characteristics as predictors of attrition in worksite weight loss

Fowler, J. L., Follick, M. J., Abrams, D. B., & Rickard-Figueroa, K. (n.d.).

Publication year

1985

Journal title

Addictive Behaviors

Volume

10

Issue

4

Page(s)

445-448

10.1016/0306-4603(85)90044-9

Abstract

Abstract

Attrition is a significant problem in worksite weight loss interventions, and differences in participants' motivational levels have been hypothesized to account for this high attrition rate. The present study examined characteristics of participants who completed a worksite weight loss program compared to those who dropped out, using a step-wise discriminant function analysis. The results indicate that a combination of motivational characteristics, expectations, and change in weight just prior to treatment significantly discriminated drop-outs from completers. The results of this investigation are discussed with respect to implications for developing cost-effective worksite treatment protocols and directions for future research.

Professional versus self-help weight loss at the worksite: The challenge of making a public health impact

Peterson, G., Abrams, D. B., Elder, J. P., & Beaudin, P. A. (n.d.).

Publication year

1985

Journal title

Behavior Therapy

Volume

16

Issue

2

Page(s)

213-222

10.1016/S0005-7894(85)80047-2

Abstract

Abstract

The need has been identified to treat obesity in sufficiently large numbers of individuals to achieve a public health impact. The workplace is a prime site for such interventions. Previous worksite studies have demonstrated that behavioral programs are feasible, but expensive professional programs, high attrition rates, and poor maintenance have all compromised cost effectiveness. One way to address these challenges is to train in-house volunteers to conduct self-help treament programs. The present study, a randomized trial conducted in a blue-collar industry, compared volunteer leaders to professional leaders. In the self-help condition, the volunteer leaders were elected from within the groups themselves using a social network endorsement system. Dependent measures included percent overweight, weight reduction quotient, attendance and a cost-effectiveness index. When only those who completed treatment and follow-up were considered, the professionally led groups lost and maintained the loss of significantly more weight than the self-help groups. But, when dropouts were included as treatment failures, both groups did equally well. The formidable challenges behind the development of behavioral programs that can make a public health impact are discussed.

Contrasting Short- and Long-term Effects of Weight Loss on Lipoprotein Levels

Follick, M. J., Abrams, D. B., Smith, T. W., Henderson, L. O., & Herbert, P. N. (n.d.).

Publication year

1984

Journal title

Archives of Internal Medicine

Volume

144

Issue

8

Page(s)

1571-1574

10.1001/archinte.1984.00350200063008

Abstract

Abstract

The short- and long-term effects of weight loss on high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels were examined In 42 women who completed a 14-session behavioral weight-loss program. Lipid values were determined from samples taken before treatment, after treatment, and at six-month follow-up. There were significant changes in plasma lipid levels, but the short- and long-term effects differed. Both total and LDL cholesterol levels decreased during treatment and remained lower at follow-up. However, HDL cholesterol level and the HDL/LDL ratio did not change during treatment but increased significantly above pretreatment levels at follow-up. Furthermore, long-term changes In lipoprotein levels were significantly correlated with changes in the body-mass index even after correction for Initial values. These results show that weight loss can, in the long term, have a potentially beneficial impact on lipoprotein levels in women.

Contrasting short- and long-term effects of weight loss on lipoprotein levels

Follick, M. J., Abrams, D., Smith, T. W., Henderson, L. O., & Herbert, P. N. (n.d.).

Publication year

1984

Journal title

Archives of Internal Medicine

Volume

144

Issue

8

Page(s)

1571-1574

10.1001/archinte.144.8.1571

Abstract

Abstract

The short- and long-term effects of weight loss on high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels were examined in 42 women who completed a 14-session behavioral weight-loss program. Lipid values were determined from samples taken before treatment, after treatment, and at six-month follow-up. There were significant changes in plasma lipid levels, but the short- and long-term effects differed. Both total and LDL cholesterol levels decreased during treatment and remained lower at follow-up. However, HDL cholesterol level and the HDL/LDL ratio did not change during treatment but increased significantly above pretreatment levels at follow-up. Furthermore, long-term changes in lipoprotein levels were significantly correlated with changes in the body-mass index even after correction for initial values. These results show that weight loss can, in the long term, have a potentially beneficial impact on lipoprotein levels in women.

Lay volunteer delivery of a community-based cardiovascular risk factor change program

Lassater, T., Abrams, D., & Al., . (n.d.). In S. Weiss & L. Weiss (Eds.), Behavioral health (1–).

Publication year

1984