David B Abrams
David Abrams
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Professor of Social and Behavioral Sciences
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Professional overview
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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.
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Education
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BSc (Hons), Psychology and Computer Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South AfricaMS, Clinical Psychology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJPhD, Clinical Psychology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJPostdoctoral Fellow, Brown Medical School, Providence, RI
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Honors and awards
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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)
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Areas of research and study
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Behavioral ScienceChronic DiseasesEvaluationsImplementation and Impact of Public Health RegulationsImplementation sciencePopulation HealthPublic Health PedagogyPublic Health SystemsResearch DesignSystems IntegrationSystems InterventionsTobacco ControlTranslational science
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Publications
Publications
A ban on menthol cigarettes : Impact on public opinion and smokers' intention to quit
AbstractAbrams, D., Pearson, J. L., Abrams, D. B., Niaura, R. S., Richardson, A., & Vallone, D. M. (n.d.).Publication year
2012Journal title
American journal of public healthVolume
102Issue
11Page(s)
e107-e114AbstractObjectives. We assessed support for a ban by the Food and Drug Administration on menthol in cigarettes and behavioral intentions among menthol smokers in the event of such a ban. Methods. We surveyed 2649 never, former, and current smokers and used ordinal logistic regression to calculate weighted point estimates and predictors of support for a menthol ban among the adult population and menthol smokers only. For menthol smokers, we also calculated weighted point estimates and predictors of behavioral intentions. Results. Overall, 28.2% of adults opposed, 20.0% supported, and 51.9% lacked a strong opinion about a menthol ban. Support was highest among Hispanics (36.4%), African Americans (29.0%), never smokers (26.8%), and respondents with less than a high school education (28.8%). Nearly 40% of menthol smokers said they would quit if menthol cigarettes were no longer available, 12.5% would switch to a nonmenthol brand, and 25.2% would both switch and try to quit. Conclusions. Support for a menthol ban is strongest among populations with the highest prevalence of menthol cigarette use. A menthol ban might motivate many menthol smokers to quit.A bioinformational systems perspective on tobacco dependence
AbstractAbrams, D., NIAURA, R. S., GOLDSTEIN, M., & ABRAMS, D. S. (n.d.).Publication year
1991Journal title
British Journal of AddictionVolume
86Issue
5Page(s)
593-597AbstractRecent thinking about tobacco dependence has been influenced largely by a focus on the pharmacological effects of nicotine. We advocate a return to earlier views of dependence as comprising both pharmacological and non‐pharmacological aspects. Moreover, we suggest that it may be profitable to reformulate research on dependence in terms of a bioinformational process model. The basic tenets of such a model are outlined, as are the challenges in exploring the nature of dependence simultaneously across the cognitive, physiological and behavioral domains of function.A clinician's guide to new developments in the behavioral treatment of obesity
AbstractAbrams, D., & Abrams, D. S. (n.d.).Publication year
1979Journal title
Behavior Therapy ReviewVolume
1Issue
2Page(s)
1-14Abstract~A cocaine high-risk situations questionnaire : Development and psychometric properties
AbstractAbrams, D., Michalec, E., Zwick, W. R., Monti, P. M., Rohsenow, D. J., Varney, S., Niaura, R. S., & Abrams, D. B. (n.d.).Publication year
1992Journal title
Journal of substance abuseVolume
4Issue
4Page(s)
377-391AbstractAlthough high-risk situations have been identified for alcoholism, opiate abuse, and smoking, further research is needed to identify high-risk situations for cocaine abuse. A 233-item Cocaine High-Risk Situations Survey was developed based on a comprehensive literature review and was administered to 179 cocaine users in treatment. Situations that occurred infrequently or that were not often associated with cocaine use were eliminated and the remaining 89 items were factor analyzed using half the sample with confirmatory factor analysis on the remainder of the sample. Only one factor was found for frequency of cocaine use in these situations. The 21 items with high factor loadings and a diverse range of content were retained for subsequent analyses and renamed the Cocaine High-Risk Situations Questionnaire (CHRSQ). Reliability and convergent and discriminant validity of this scale were demonstrated. Frequency of alcohol use in the same situations was not significantly related to cocaine use and abuse, supporting discriminant validity. The findings suggest that the frequency of ongoing cocaine use is not determined by specific situations. Theoretical and clinical implications are discussed.A comparative evaluation of a restrictive smoking policy in a general hospital
AbstractAbrams, D., Biener, L., Abrams, D. B., Follick, M. J., & Dean, L. (n.d.).Publication year
1989Journal title
American journal of public healthVolume
79Issue
2Page(s)
192-195AbstractThe 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
AbstractAbrams, D., Biener, L., Abrams, D. B., Follick, M. J., & Dean, L. (n.d.).Publication year
1989Journal title
American Journal of Health PromotionVolume
3Issue
4Page(s)
57Abstract~A content analysis of smoking craving
AbstractAbrams, D., Shadel, W. G., Niaura, R. S., Brown, R. A., Hutchison, K. E., & Abrams, D. B. (n.d.).Publication year
2001Journal title
Journal of Clinical PsychologyVolume
57Issue
1Page(s)
145-150AbstractThe purpose of this study was to conduct a content analysis of smoking craving in order to investigate more precisely the subjective nature of the construct with the goal of informing assessment. Thirty-two smokers interested in cessation treatment provided free response written descriptions of the level of craving they normally experience. These responses were analyzed for subjective content along five theoretical domains: physiological, affective, cognitive, behavioral, and synonyms (of craving). Although there were no differences in the relative proportion of broad content terms smokers used to describe their craving (e.g., cognitive versus affective), this analysis revealed considerable diversity in the specific terms smokers used. Some smokers described their craving in purely physiological terms whereas others used primarily cognitive terms, and still others used affective terms. To assume that smoking craving is qualitatively similar across persons, then, may mask important variations that define the individual experience of craving.A Cost-Utility Analysis of Lung Cancer Screening and the Additional Benefits of Incorporating Smoking Cessation Interventions
AbstractAbrams, D., Villanti, A. C., Jiang, Y., Abrams, D. B., & Pyenson, B. S. (n.d.).Publication year
2013Journal title
PloS oneVolume
8Issue
8AbstractBackground:A 2011 report from the National Lung Screening Trial indicates that three annual low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screenings for lung cancer reduced lung cancer mortality by 20% compared to chest X-ray among older individuals at high risk for lung cancer. Discussion has shifted from clinical proof to financial feasibility. The goal of this study was to determine whether LDCT screening for lung cancer in a commercially-insured population (aged 50-64) at high risk for lung cancer is cost-effective and to quantify the additional benefits of incorporating smoking cessation interventions in a lung cancer screening program.Methods and Findings:The current study builds upon a previous simulation model to estimate the cost-utility of annual, repeated LDCT screenings over 15 years in a high risk hypothetical cohort of 18 million adults between age 50 and 64 with 30+ pack-years of smoking history. In the base case, the lung cancer screening intervention cost $27.8 billion over 15 years and yielded 985,284 quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) gained for a cost-utility ratio of $28,240 per QALY gained. Adding smoking cessation to these annual screenings resulted in increases in both the costs and QALYs saved, reflected in cost-utility ratios ranging from $16,198 per QALY gained to $23,185 per QALY gained. Annual LDCT lung cancer screening in this high risk population remained cost-effective across all sensitivity analyses.Conclusions:The findings of this study indicate that repeat annual lung cancer screening in a high risk cohort of adults aged 50-64 is highly cost-effective. Offering smoking cessation interventions with the annual screening program improved the cost-effectiveness of lung cancer screening between 20% and 45%. The cost-utility ratios estimated in this study were in line with other accepted cancer screening interventions and support inclusion of annual LDCT screening for lung cancer in a high risk population in clinical recommendations.A framework for evaluating the public health impact of e-cigarettes and other vaporized nicotine products
AbstractAbrams, D., Levy, D. T., Cummings, K. M., Villanti, A. C., Niaura, R., Abrams, D. B., Fong, G. T., & Borland, R. (n.d.).Publication year
2017Journal title
AddictionVolume
112Issue
1Page(s)
8-17AbstractThe use of vaporized nicotine products (VNPs), especially e-cigarettes and, to a lesser extent, pressurized aerosol nicotine products and heat-not-burn tobacco products, are being adopted increasingly as an alternative to smoking combusted products, primarily cigarettes. Considerable controversy has accompanied their marketing and use. We propose a framework that describes and incorporates patterns of VNP and combustible cigarette use in determining the total amount of toxic exposure effects on population health. We begin by considering toxicity and the outcomes relevant to population health. We then present the framework and define different measures of VNP use; namely, trial and long-term use for exclusive cigarette smokers, exclusive VNP and dual (cigarette and VNP) use. Using a systems thinking framework and decision theory we considered potential pathways for current, former and never users of VNPs. We then consider the evidence to date and the probable impacts of VNP use on public health, the potential effects of different policy approaches and the possible influence of the tobacco industry on VNP and cigarette use.A prospective analysis of change in multiple risk factors for cancer
AbstractAbrams, D., Emmons, K. M., Shadel, W. G., Linnan, L., Marcus, B. H., & Abrams, D. B. (n.d.).Publication year
1999Journal title
Cancer Research Therapy and ControlVolume
8Issue
1-2Page(s)
15-23AbstractProblem: Cancer risk is increased among individuals who have more than one behavioral risk factor. The purpose of this paper is to expand our understanding of how risk factors co-occur by evaluating longitudinal changes in and predictors of naturalistic change in behavioral risk factors. Methods: The data presented in this paper were drawn from 1288 employees in the 12 standard care worksites that participated in the Working Healthy Project (WHP), a large randomized trial of worksite health promotion. Results: At baseline, the majority of the sample had two or more risk factors. At the final survey, there were very small changes in the overall risk factor profile among the entire sample. However, significant change occurred within baseline risk factor groups. Significant relationships between risk factors were also found. Conclusions: Multiple risk factors are prevalent, and little is known about how to best impact on risk profiles. Use of a multiple risk factor index score, that will allow investigators to begin to assess the impact of interventions on change in overall risk, may be an important part of efforts to develop more effective methods for reducing multiple risk factors for chronic disease.A prospective study of weight gain during the college freshman and sophomore years
AbstractAbrams, D., Lloyd-Richardson, E., Bailey, S., Fava, J., Wing, R., & Abrams, D. S. (n.d.).Publication year
2009Journal title
American Journal of Preventive MedicineVolume
48Issue
3Page(s)
256-61Abstract~A randomized controlled trial of cognitive-behavioral treatment for depression versus relaxation training for alcohol-dependent individuals with elevated depressive symptoms
AbstractAbrams, D., Brown, R. A., Ramsey, S. E., Kahler, C. W., Palm, K. M., Monti, P. M., Abrams, D. S., Dubreuil, M., Gordon, A., & Miller, I. W. (n.d.).Publication year
2011Journal title
Journal of Studies on Alcohol and DrugsVolume
72Issue
2Page(s)
286-296AbstractObjective: A previous pilot study found positive outcomes among alcohol-dependent individuals with elevated depressive symptoms who received cognitive-behavioral treatment for depression (CBT-D; n = 19) compared with a relaxation training control (RTC; n = 16). The current study represents a replication of this pilot study using a larger sample size and a longer follow-up assessment period. Method: Patients entering a partial hospital drug and alcohol treatment program who met criteria for alcohol dependence and elevated depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory score ≥ 15) were recruited and randomly assigned to receive eight individual sessions of CBT-D (n = 81) or RTC (n = 84). Results: There were significant improvements in depressive and alcohol use outcomes over time for all participants. Compared with RTC, the CBT-D condition had significantly lower levels of depressive symptoms, as measured by the Beck Depression Inventory, at the 6-week follow-up. However, this effect was inconsistent because there were no differences in the Modified Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression between conditions at that time point and there were no significant differences at any other follow-up. No significant between-group differences on alcohol use outcomes were found. Conclusions: The current findings did not replicate the positive outcomes observed in the CBT-D condition in our previous pilot study. Possible explanations for why these findings were not replicated are discussed, as are theoretical and clinical implications of using CBT-D in alcohol treatment.A randomized trial for combination nicotine replacement therapy for smoking cessation among people with HIV in a low-resourced setting
AbstractAbrams, D., Elf, J. L., Lebina, L., Motlhaoleng, K., Chon, S., Niaura, R. S., Abrams, D. S., Variava, E., Gupte, N., Martinson, N., & Golub, J. E. (n.d.).Publication year
2025Journal title
AIDSVolume
39Issue
5Page(s)
526-534AbstractObjective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of combination nicotine replacement therapy (c-NRT) for smoking cessation among people with HIV (PWH) in South Africa. Design: We conducted an open-label, individually randomized clinical trial. Methods: Using a two-armed approach, PWH who smoke were randomized to receive either intensive antismoking behavioral counselling or intensive antismoking behavioral counseling plus c-NRT (nicotine patches augmented by nicotine gum). Self-reported smoking abstinence was biochemically validated with exhaled breath carbon monoxide (CO) and urine cotinine at 6 months. Recruitment, provision of trial interventions, and follow-up of participants took place in March 2014 through June 2016. Results: We randomly assigned 280 participants to the behavioral counseling arm and 281 participants to the behavioral counseling + c-NRT arm. Four hundred and thirty-eight (78%) participants were men and 123 (22%) were women. For our primary outcome of biochemically verified abstinence at 6 months, 41 (15%) were quit in the behavioral counseling + c-NRT arm vs. 28 (10%) in the behavioral counseling arm, resulting in a 5% [95% confidence interval (CI) -1 to 10%] absolute difference in relative risk and an adjusted odd ratio of 1.47 (95% CI 0.86-2.52) comparing the behavioral counseling + c-NRT to the behavioral counseling arm. Conclusion: Although our results did not reach statistical significance, we found augmentation of behavioral counseling with c-NRT to increase smoking abstinence at 6 months, which is consistent with performance in the general population. PWH in low-resource settings may benefit from the addition of c-NRT to existing tobacco cessation interventions.A randomized trial of internet and telephone treatment for smoking cessation
AbstractAbrams, D., Graham, A. L., Cobb, N. K., Papandonatos, G. D., Moreno, J. L., Kang, H., Tinkelman, D. G., Bock, B. C., Niaura, R. S., & Abrams, D. B. (n.d.).Publication year
2011Journal title
Archives of Internal MedicineVolume
171Issue
1Page(s)
46-53AbstractBackground: This study aimed to determine the relative effect of Internet and Internet plus telephone treatment for smoking cessation on smoking abstinence among US adults. A priori hypotheses were that Internet enhanced with tailored content and social support would outperform basic Internet (BI) and that enhanced Internet (EI) plus proactive telephone counseling would outperform the other conditions. Methods: The Quit Using Internet and Telephone Treatment (iQUITT) study used a 3-group randomized controlled design comparing BI, EI, and EI and telephone combined (EI+P). The trial was conducted from March 8, 2005, through November 30, 2008. Current adult smokers in the United States who smoked 5 or more cigarettes per day were recruited via search engines. Characteristics of the 2005 participants include mean (SD) age of 35.9 (10.8) years, 51.1% women, and 86.5% white. The follow-up assessment rate at 18 months was 68.2%. The main outcome measure was 30-day point prevalence abstinence measured at 3, 6, 12, and 18 months after randomization using intent-to-treat analysis. Results: At 18 months, the 30-day multiple point prevalence abstinence rate across all follow-up intervals was 3.5% (BI), 4.5% (EI), and 7.7% (EI+P), with EI+P significantly outperforming BI and EI. At 18 months, 30-day single point prevalence abstinence rates were 19.0% (BI), 17.4% (EI), and 19.6% (EI+P) and did not differ among the groups. Conclusions: Combined Internet and telephone treatment outperforms static and dynamic Internet interventions. Trial Registration: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00282009.A Randomized Trial of Telephone-Based Smoking Cessation Treatment in the Lung Cancer Screening Setting
AbstractAbrams, D. (n.d.).Publication year
2022Journal title
Journal of the National Cancer InstituteVolume
114Issue
10Page(s)
1410-1419AbstractBACKGROUND: Lung cancer mortality is reduced via low-dose computed tomography screening and treatment of early-stage disease. Evidence-based smoking cessation treatment in the lung screening setting can further reduce mortality. We report the results of a cessation trial from the National Cancer Institute's Smoking Cessation at Lung Examination collaboration. METHODS: Eligible patients (n = 818) aged 50-80 years were randomly assigned (May 2017-January 2021) to the intensive vs minimal arms (8 vs 3 phone sessions plus 8 vs 2 weeks of nicotine patches, respectively). Bio-verified (primary) and self-reported 7-day abstinence rates were assessed at 3, 6, and 12 months post random assignment. Logistic regression analyses evaluated the effects of study arm. All statistical tests were 2-sided. RESULTS: Participants reported 48.0 (SD = 17.2) pack-years, and 51.6% were not ready to quit in less than 30 days. Self-reported 3-month quit rates were statistically significantly higher in the intensive vs minimal arm (14.3% vs 7.9%; odds ratio [OR] = 2.00, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.26 to 3.18). Bio-verified abstinence was lower but with similar relative differences between arms (9.1% vs 3.9%; OR = 2.70, 95% CI = 1.44 to 5.08). Compared with the minimal arm, the intensive arm was more effective among those with greater nicotine dependence (OR = 3.47, 95% CI = 1.55 to 7.76), normal screening results (OR = 2.58, 95% CI = 1.32 to 5.03), high engagement in counseling (OR = 3.03, 95% CI = 1.50 to 6.14), and patch use (OR = 2.81, 95% CI = 1.39 to 5.68). Abstinence rates did not differ statistically significantly between arms at 6 months (OR = 1.2, 95% CI = 0.68 to 2.11) or 12 months (OR = 1.4, 95% CI = 0.82 to 2.42). CONCLUSIONS: Delivering intensive telephone counseling and nicotine replacement with lung screening is an effective strategy to increase short-term smoking cessation. Methods to maintain short-term effects are needed. Even with modest quit rates, integrating cessation treatment into lung screening programs may have a large impact on tobacco-related mortality.A step-care approach to smoking cessation
AbstractAbrams, D., & Abrams, D. S. (n.d.).Publication year
1987Journal title
Rhode Island Medical JournalVolume
70Issue
3Page(s)
121-127Abstract~A transdisciplinary approach to protocol development for tobacco control research : A case study
AbstractAbrams, D., Clark, M. A., Rogers, M. L., Boergers, J., Kahler, C. W., Ramsey, S., Saadeh, F. M., Abrams, D. B., Buka, S. L., Niaura, R. S., & Colby, S. M. (n.d.).Publication year
2012Journal title
Translational Behavioral MedicineVolume
2Issue
4Page(s)
431-440AbstractThe increasing complexity of scientific problems related to lifestyle risk factors has prompted substantial investments in transdisciplinary or team science initiatives at the biological, psychosocial, and population levels of analysis. To date, the actual process of conducting team science from the perspectives of investigators engaged in it has not been well documented. We describe the experience of developing and implementing data collection protocols using the principles of transdisciplinary science. The New England Family Study Transdisciplinary Tobacco Use Research Center was a 10-year collaboration involving more than 85 investigators and consultants from more than 20 disciplines as well as more than 50 research staff. We used a two-phase process in which all the study personnel participated in the developing and testing of 160 instruments. These instruments were used in 4,378 assessments with 3,501 participants. With substantial effort, it is possible to build a team of scientists from diverse backgrounds that can develop a set of instruments using a shared conceptual approach, despite limited or no experience working together previously.Addressing Heavy Drinking in Smoking Cessation Treatment : A Randomized Clinical Trial
AbstractAbrams, D., Kahler, C. W., Metrik, J., LaChance, H. R., Ramsey, S. E., Abrams, D. B., Monti, P. M., & Brown, R. A. (n.d.).Publication year
2008Journal title
Journal of consulting and clinical psychologyVolume
76Issue
5Page(s)
852-862AbstractHeavy alcohol use frequently co-occurs with cigarette smoking and may impede smoking cessation. This clinical trial examined whether smoking cessation treatment that incorporates brief alcohol intervention can improve smoking cessation outcomes (7-day verified point prevalence abstinence) and reduce drinks consumed per week. Heavy drinkers seeking smoking cessation treatment were assigned by urn randomization to receive, along with 8 weeks of nicotine replacement therapy, either a 4-session standard smoking cessation treatment (ST, n = 119) or standard treatment of equal intensity that incorporated brief alcohol intervention (ST-BI, n = 117). Across follow-ups over 26 weeks, participants in ST-BI reported approximately 20% fewer drinks per week (p < .027) and greater smoking abstinence (adjusted odds ratio = 1.56; 95% confidence interval = 1.01, 2.43) than did those in ST; however, effects on smoking were primarily evident at 2 weeks after quit date and were essentially absent by 16 weeks. The effect of ST-BI on smoking outcome was most robust among moderately heavy drinkers compared with that on very heavy drinkers. Integrating brief alcohol intervention into smoking cessation treatment appears feasible, but further development is needed to yield lasting effects on smoking.Adherence to treatment for nicotine dependence
AbstractAbrams, D., Abrams, D. S., Borrelli, B., Shadel, W., King, T., Bock, B., & Niaura, R. S. (n.d.). (S. Shumaker & J. Ockene, Eds.; 2nd ed.).Publication year
1998Page(s)
137-165Abstract~Adolescents' reactions to the imagery displayed in smoking and antismoking advertisements
AbstractAbrams, D., Shadel, W. G., Niaura, R. S., & Abrams, D. B. (n.d.).Publication year
2002Journal title
Psychology of Addictive BehaviorsVolume
16Issue
2Page(s)
173-176AbstractThis study compared adolescents' unbiased perceptions of the images displayed in smoking and antismoking advertising. Twenty-nine adolescents (ages 11-17) were shown images taken from both advertising types; all images were digitally edited so that no product information appeared in them. Participants described each image in a free-response format and rated each image on self-report dimensions. Content analyses of free-response descriptions and analyses of self-reports revealed that adolescents viewed images taken from cigarette advertisements more positively compared with images taken from antismoking advertisements. These findings suggest that 1 reason for the potency of cigarette advertising, compared with antismoking advertising, is the inherent positive appeal of the images displayed. Antismoking advertising may be more effective at limiting adolescent smoking if the images displayed have a more positive valence.Adolescents' responses to the gender valence of cigarette advertising imagery : The role of affect and the self-concept
AbstractAbrams, D., Shadel, W. G., Niaura, R. S., & Abrams, D. B. (n.d.).Publication year
2004Journal title
Addictive BehaviorsVolume
29Issue
9Page(s)
1735-1744AbstractThe studies presented in this manuscript evaluated the role that affect and the self-concept play in adolescent never smokers' reactions to the gender valence of cigarette advertising imagery. Study 1 (n=29; 59% female) revealed that adolescent females have more positive affective reactions to female-valenced cigarette advertising imagery compared to male-valenced cigarette advertising imagery. Study 2 (n=101; 56% female) revealed that adolescent females viewed female-valenced cigarette advertising imagery as more relevant to their self-concepts compared to male-valenced cigarette advertising imagery. Across both studies, male adolescents did not respond differently as a function of the gender valence of cigarette advertising imagery. Thus, female-valenced cigarette advertising imagery may have specific effects on never smoking female adolescents by enhancing positive affect and suggesting that women who smoke hold the same characteristics as do the young women themselves.Adult interest in using a hypothetical modified risk tobacco product : findings from wave 1 of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health Study (2013–14)
AbstractAbrams, D., Pearson, J. L., Johnson, A. L., Johnson, S. E., Stanton, C. A., Villanti, A. C., Niaura, R. S., Glasser, A. M., Wang, B., Abrams, D. B., Cummings, K. M., & Hyland, A. (n.d.).Publication year
2018Journal title
AddictionVolume
113Issue
1Page(s)
113-124AbstractBackground and aims: The US Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act provides a pathway for manufacturers to market a modified risk tobacco product (MRTP). This study examines socio-demographic and tobacco use correlates of interest in a hypothetical MRTP in a nationally representative sample of US adults. Design: Cross sectional wave 1 data from the 2013–14 Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study. Setting: Household Audio-Computer Assisted Self-Interviews of US adults conducted in 2013–14. Participants: A total of 32 320 civilian, non-institutionalized adults in the United States. Measurements: Interest in using a hypothetical MRTP (‘If a tobacco product made a claim that it was less harmful to health than other tobacco products, how likely would you be to use that product?’), socio-demographics, tobacco use history and mental health and substance use problems. All estimates were weighted. Findings: Overall, 16.7% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 16.28, 17.18] of US adults reported interest in a hypothetical MRTP. Tobacco use was associated significantly with interest in a hypothetical MRTP, with interest most common among current established smokers (54.4%; 95% CI = 53.31, 55.39) and least common among never tobacco users (3.0%; 95% CI = 2.49, 3.55). Interest in a hypothetical MRTP was associated with experimental e-cigarette use among current experimental, current established and former smokers. Among non-smokers, race, age, education and substance use were associated with interest in using a hypothetical MRTP. Conclusions: Among adults in the United States, interest in using a hypothetical modified risk tobacco product is low overall, and highest among current experimental and established smokers. A small percentage of non-smokers are interested in using a hypothetical hypothetical modified risk tobacco product.Alcohol abusers' and social drinkers' responses to alcohol-relevant and general situations
AbstractAbrams, D., Abrams, D. B., Binkoff, J. A., Zwick, W. R., Liepman, M. R., Nirenberg, T. D., Munroe, S. M., & Monti, P. M. (n.d.).Publication year
1991Journal title
Journal of Studies on AlcoholVolume
52Issue
5Page(s)
409-414AbstractResponses of alcohol abusers and social drinkers were compared on general and alcohol-specific problem situations using role-play methodology. Multiple responses were assessed including behavioral observational ratings, self-reports and psychophysiologic measures. There were few differences between groups in responses to the general situations. Alcohol abusers had higher urges to drink than did the social drinkers in both the general and the alcohol-specific situations. However, in response to the alcohol-specific situations, the alcohol abusers, compared to the social drinkers, were rated by judges as significantly less skillful, and they displayed more self-reported anxiety, had a higher frequency of occurrence of problem situations in the natural environment and reported greater perceived realism of the alcohol-specific situations. Psychophysiologic measures did not differentiate between the groups. Results are discussed with respect to the importance of situation specificity in understanding the precipitants of drinking and their treatment implications.Alcohol and self-disclosure : Analyses of interpersonal behavior in male and female social drinkers
AbstractAbrams, D., Caudill, B. D., Wilson, G. T., & Abrams, D. B. (n.d.).Publication year
1987Journal title
Journal of Studies on AlcoholVolume
48Issue
5Page(s)
401-409Abstract~Alcohol cue reactivity : Effects of detoxification and extended exposure
AbstractAbrams, D., Monti, P. M., Rohsenow, D. J., Rubonis, A. V., Niaura, R. S., Sirota, A. D., Colby, S. M., & Abrams, D. B. (n.d.).Publication year
1993Journal title
Journal of Studies on AlcoholVolume
54Issue
2Page(s)
235-245AbstractAlcoholics' reactions to drinking-related stimuli (cue reactivity) have been well documented and alcohol cue exposure treatment has been conducted recently in several clinical trials. Prior to conducting large-scale clinical trials it is important to know what effects detoxification may have on cue reactivity. However, no information is available about the effects of stage of detoxification or of detoxification medication on alcohol cue reactivity. In this study, 45 male alcoholics, detoxified without medication, were assessed during either their second, fourth or sixth day of withdrawal. Further, their reactivity was compared to that of alcoholics detoxified with chlordiazepoxide (n = 15), and to that of alcoholics in their fourth week after drinking (n = 28). Cue reactivity assessment investigated salivation and urge to drink after 3 minutes of water cue exposure and then after 3 minutes of alcohol cue exposure. Urges to drink were assessed during an additional 15 minutes of alcohol exposure to explore latency to maximum reactivity and habituation. Reactivity did not differ as a function of group membership, although salivation was elevated to both beverages during the first week of detoxification. Of the sample, 70% reacted to alcohol with increased urge and 65% with increased salivation, with no difference between groups in proportions of reactors. The maximum urge to drink occurred in the first 6 minutes of alcohol exposure, followed by a gradual and significant decrease. There were no differences on these measures between alcoholics in their first or fourth week after their last drink. Implications for theory and clinical applications are discussed.