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

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

Abrams, D., Monti, P., Abrams, D. S., Zwick, W., & Binkoff, J. (n.d.). (C. Hollin & P. Trower, Eds.).

Publication year

1986

Abstract

Abstract

~

Understanding relapse and recovery in alcohol abuse

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

Publication year

1986

Journal title

Annals of Behavioral Medicine

Volume

8

Page(s)

27-32

Abstract

Abstract

~

Participant characteristics as predictors of attrition in worksite weight loss

Abrams, D., 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

Abrams, D., 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

Abrams, D., 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

Abrams, D., Follick, M. J., Abrams, D. S., 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

Abrams, D. (n.d.). (S. Weiss & L. Weiss, Eds.).

Publication year

1984

Abstract

Abstract

~

Multi-modal measurement of anxiety and social skills in a behavioral role-play test : Generalizability and discriminant validity

Abrams, D., Monti, P. M., Wallander, J. L., Ahern, D. K., Abrams, D. B., & Munroe, S. M. (n.d.).

Publication year

1984

Journal title

Behavioral Assessment

Volume

6

Issue

1

Page(s)

15-25

Abstract

Abstract

The Simulated Social Interaction Test (SSIT), a behavioral procedure for assessing anxiety and social skills, was evaluated using a generalizability approach with college students. In addition to self-report and behavioral ratings, heart rate responsivity during the SSIT was employed as an index of anxiety. For the most part, results of the generalizability analysis replicated previous findings with a psychiatric population, suggesting that the SSIT is a psychometrically sound procedure for obtaining judgments of anxiety and social skills. A moderate negative relationship was found between the ratings of anxiety and social skills, providing further support for the discriminative validity of these constructs. Finally, including a third measurement condition (physiological arousal) did not result in increased generalizability. Indeed, even when a subsample of "heart rate responders" was empirically identified, the unexplained residual variance was not decreased, suggesting a lack of convergence for different methods of measuring anxiety.

Alcohol, sexual arousal, and self-control

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

Publication year

1983

Journal title

Journal of personality and social psychology

Volume

45

Issue

1

Page(s)

188-198

10.1037/0022-3514.45.1.188

Abstract

Abstract

Investigated the effects of alcohol on self-regulation using delay of gratification for viewing time for an erotic film as the primary dependent measure. Other measures included reflection-impulsivity, locus of control, sexual-guilt scores, and continuous recording of Ss' penile tumescence. Using a balanced placebo design with 50 undergraduate men, Ss were led to believe that they had consumed an alcoholic or a nonalcoholic beverage, and half of each of these 2 groups received either alcohol or tonic water. In addition, the effects of 3 doses of alcohol (placebo, low dose, high dose) were investigated. Instructional set, regardless of drink content, resulted in longer delay times and increased thoughts with sexual content. Although there was no significant relation between increasing dose of alcohol and delay time, there was an interaction between scores on Rotter's Internal-External Locus of Control Scale and alcohol dose. Externalizers showed an inverse linear relation between increasing dose of alcohol and delay time. Internalizers showed the opposite trend. Results support other research showing that expectations about drinking can be more potent predictors of behavior than the pharmacological impact of alcohol. Implications for the self-regulation of sexual behavior under the influence of alcohol are discussed. (25 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved).

Assessment of alcohol -- stress interactions: Bridging the gap between laboratory and treatment outcome research

Abrams, D., & Abrams, D. S. (n.d.). (L. Pohorecky & J. Brick, Eds.).

Publication year

1983

Abstract

Abstract

~

Behavioral community psychology and the prevention of heart disease

Abrams, D. (n.d.).

Publication year

1983

Abstract

Abstract

~

Behavioral medicine in industry: Primary prevention and cardiovascular disease

Abrams, D., Follick, M., Abrams, D. S., & Pinto, R. (n.d.).

Publication year

1983

Journal title

Behavioral Medicine Advances

Volume

6

Page(s)

2-6

Abstract

Abstract

~

Behavioral weight-loss intervention at the worksite : Feasibility and maintenance

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

Publication year

1983

Journal title

Journal of consulting and clinical psychology

Volume

51

Issue

2

Page(s)

226-233

10.1037/0022-006X.51.2.226

Abstract

Abstract

Investigated the feasibility of conducting a behavioral weight-loss program at the worksite and evaluated the effectiveness of a structured-maintenance training protocol. A total of 133 20-60 yr olds in 3 groups completed a 10-wk behavioral treatment program. The treatment program included organizational behavior modification techniques in addition to traditional small-group behavior-therapy procedures for weight control. After treatment, 2 groups received a 4-session structured-maintenance program, and 1 group served as a nonspecific (contact time) control. Follow-ups were conducted at 3 and 6 mo. Although attrition rates were high, the results indicate that the 3 groups lost a significant amount of weight during the 18 wks of treatment plus maintenance training. There were no differential effects of either weight loss or attrition among the 3 groups over the course of treatment or maintenance. Comparison of the structured- vs nonspecific-maintenance training groups at 3- and 6-mo follow-up indicates that the structured training group maintained their weight loss significantly better than the nonspecific control group. Results are interpreted to be consistent with the hypothesis that the skills required to lose weight are different from skills necessary to maintain weight loss over time. Although behavioral weight-loss programs at the worksite appear feasible, high attrition remains a significant problem. Results are discussed in terms of cost-effectiveness of worksite weight-loss intervention and directions for future research. (17 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved).

Bimodal assessment in a stressful social encounter : Individual differences, lead-lag relationships, and response styles

Abrams, D., Ahern, D. K., Wallander, J. L., Abrams, D. B., & Monti, P. M. (n.d.).

Publication year

1983

Journal title

Journal of Behavioral Assessment

Volume

5

Issue

4

Page(s)

317-326

10.1007/BF01321452

Abstract

Abstract

Analogue social-stress situations have assumed an important role in the assessment of social anxiety. However, psychophysiological assessment of social anxiety in these laboratory situations has produced inconsistent results. Notably, the empirical relationship between autonomic reactivity and behavioral indices of social anxiety has fluctuated widely. The present study examined the relationship between heart rate and behavioral ratings of social anxiety in a normal college-student sample utilizing a methodology which (a) addressed individual differences, (b) utilized a relatively unobtrusive heart-rate monitoring system, and (c) assessed time-lag relationships between the two measures. Cross-lagged correlations for the full sample of 25 subjects and a subset of heart-rate reactives showed large intersubject variability between the measures. The results support the lack of convergence between the two modes of measurement when subjects are considered as an aggregate.

Developments in the behavioral treatment of obesity

Abrams, D., & Abrams, D. S. (n.d.). (C. Franks, Ed.).

Publication year

1983

Abstract

Abstract

~

Community-wide heart disease prevention

Abrams, D., Lassater, T., Elder, J., & Abrams, D. S. (n.d.).

Publication year

1981

Journal title

Behavioral Medicine Update

Volume

5

Page(s)

251-264

Abstract

Abstract

~

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 influence of attribution of alcohol intoxication on interpersonal interaction patterns

Abrams, D., Wilson, G., Perold, E., & Abrams, D. S. (n.d.).

Publication year

1981

Journal title

Journal of Cognitive Therapy and Research

Volume

5

Page(s)

251-264

Abstract

Abstract

~

Effects of intoxication levels and drinking pattern on social anxiety in men

Abrams, D., Wilson, G. T., Abrams, D. B., & Lipscomb, T. R. (n.d.).

Publication year

1980

Journal title

Journal of Studies on Alcohol

Volume

41

Issue

3

Page(s)

250-264

10.15288/jsa.1980.41.250

Abstract

Abstract

~

Effects of Tolerance on the Anxiety-Reducing Function of Alcohol

Abrams, D., Lipscomb, T. R., Nathan, P. E., Wilson, G. T., & Abrams, D. B. (n.d.).

Publication year

1980

Journal title

Archives of General Psychiatry

Volume

37

Issue

5

Page(s)

577-582

10.1001/archpsyc.1980.01780180091011

Abstract

Abstract

Thirty-two male social drinkers were arranged into two tolerance groups, based on changes in standing stability after ingestion of alcohol. Subjects consumed either a large (1.0 g/kg) or small (0.5 g/kg) dose of alcohol. On finishing their drinks, subjects were requested to interact with a female confederate whose continued silence induced anxiety. Heart rate, skin conductance, overt behavior, and self-report measures were taken. Heart rate increased more at the small than the large dose, consistent with the tension-reduction hypothesis. Further, heart rate of high-tolerance subjects increased significantly more than that of low-tolerance subjects, which suggests that alcohol was less effective at tension reduction for the high-tolerance group. Finally, measures of both skin conductance and heart rate showed significant dose-by-tolerance interactions. High-tolerance subjects were more aroused than were low-tolerance subjects at the small but not at the large dose, suggesting that high-tolerance subjects must consume more alcohol to achieve the same autonomic effect experienced by the low-tolerance subjects.

A clinician's guide to new developments in the behavioral treatment of obesity

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

Publication year

1979

Journal title

Behavior Therapy Review

Volume

1

Issue

2

Page(s)

1-14

Abstract

Abstract

~

Behavior therapy

Abrams, D., Franks, C., & Abrams, D. S. (n.d.). (A. Kazdin, A. Bellack, & M. Hersen, Eds.).

Publication year

1979

Abstract

Abstract

~

Effects of alcohol on social anxiety in women : Cognitive versus physiological processes

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

Publication year

1979

Journal title

Journal of abnormal psychology

Volume

88

Issue

2

Page(s)

161-173

10.1037/0021-843X.88.2.161

Abstract

Abstract

Randomly assigned 32 female social drinkers (18-25 yr old undergraduates) to 4 conditions in a 2 × 2 factorial design that controlled for drink content and expectations. Ss were administered either an alcoholic or a nonalcoholic beverage and were led to believe that their drinks contained or did not contain alcohol. After finishing their drinks Ss participated in a study of social anxiety in which they were requested to interact with a male confederate of the experimenter. Multiple measures, including heart rate, skin conductance, and overt behavioral and self-report responses, were recorded. Ss who expected alcohol showed significant elevations in physiological arousal and were rated as more anxious on observational measures of social behavior. Self-report measures failed to yield any differences among groups. Implications for the tension reduction theory of alcohol use and the importance of multiple response measures are discussed. (11/2 p ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved).

Effects of alcohol on social anxiety in women : Cognitive versus physiological processes

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

Publication year

1979

Journal title

Journal of abnormal psychology

Volume

88

Issue

2

Page(s)

161-173

10.1037/0021-843X.88.2.161

Abstract

Abstract

Randomly assigned 32 female social drinkers (18-25 yr old undergraduates) to 4 conditions in a 2 × 2 factorial design that controlled for drink content and expectations. Ss were administered either an alcoholic or a nonalcoholic beverage and were led to believe that their drinks contained or did not contain alcohol. After finishing their drinks Ss participated in a study of social anxiety in which they were requested to interact with a male confederate of the experimenter. Multiple measures, including heart rate, skin conductance, and overt behavioral and self-report responses, were recorded. Ss who expected alcohol showed significant elevations in physiological arousal and were rated as more anxious on observational measures of social behavior. Self-report measures failed to yield any differences among groups. Implications for the tension reduction theory of alcohol use and the importance of multiple response measures are discussed. (11/2 p ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved).

Effects of alcohol on the nonverbal communication of anxiety : The impact of beliefs on nonverbal behavior

Abrams, D., Woolfolk, A. E., Abrams, L. M., Abrams, D. B., & Wilson, G. T. (n.d.).

Publication year

1979

Journal title

Environmental Psychology and Nonverbal Behavior

Volume

3

Issue

4

Page(s)

205-218

10.1007/BF01127364

Abstract

Abstract

Three male and three female raters were shown videotapes of 29 male subjects who were speaking to a silent female confederate. Raters were asked to make 10 judgments about the subjects' behavior. The subjects had been assigned to one of two expectancy conditions in which they were led to believe the drink they consumed prior to meeting the confederate contained alcohol and tonic or tonic only. Actually, half of the subjects in each expectancy condition received alcohol and half received tonic only. Judgments of the female raters viewing the videotapes were congruent with physiological measures of the subjects' anxiety. Those subjects who believed they received alcohol were perceived by female raters as more relaxed, less anxious, less inhibited, and more dominant than subjects who believed they received tonic. The actual content of the drink had no significant effects on the raters' judgements of the subjects' behavior. Male raters were unable to discriminate among the experimental conditions. Implications for possible gender of rater effects in behavioral assessment procedures as well as for the impact of beliefs on nonverbal communication are discussed.