Nicotine Tob Res. 2023 Mar 19:ntad043. doi: 10.1093/ntr/ntad043. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Loss aversion is a bias in decision-making wherein potential losses have a greater influence on choices than equivalent gains. Such a bias may protect individuals from harm. Consistent with this idea, lower loss aversion has been measured in individuals who endorse current cigarette smoking as well as other substance use compared to controls matched on important sociodemographic variables (age, gender, educational attainment). The goal of the present study was to systematically replicate and extend this association between loss aversion and smoking status by comparing those meeting criteria for current-, former-, and never-smoking status.
METHODS: 984 individuals (N=984) that endorsed current cigarette-smoking (past 30-day use; n=361), former-smoking (no past 30-day use, >100 cigarettes lifetime; n=317), and never-smoking (No past 30-day use, <100 cigarettes lifetime; n=306) were recruited using standard crowdsourcing methods and completed measures of loss aversion (50-50 gambles) and delay discounting (monetary choice questionnaire), an important decision-making bias with an established relationship to cigarette smoking status.
RESULTS: Lower loss aversion was observed in those endorsing current smoking compared to former-smoking [t(952)=-9.57, Bonferroni corrected p<.0001], and never-smoking [t(952)=-3.99, Bonferroni corrected p=.0002]. Loss aversion was also greater in former- compared to the never-smoking [t(952)=-5.26, Bonferroni corrected p<.0001]. This pattern did not change when accounting for delay discounting and sociodemographics. Delay discounting results replicated prior findings.
CONCLUSIONS: The results support loss aversion as a decision-making bias related to risk for cigarette smoking and other substance use. Further research is needed to understand the causal contributions of loss aversion and delay discounting and their potential intersections.
SIGNIFICANCE: Low loss aversion is a risk factor for cigarette smoking. This study reports higher loss aversion among individuals that endorsed never-smoking and former-smoking status in comparison to those endorsing current cigarette smoking. Loss aversion may influence or be influenced by a change in smoking status.
PMID:36934337 | DOI:10.1093/ntr/ntad043
