The effects of deprivation of cigarette smoking on psychomotor performance∗

∗ investigation was supported by a grant from the Council for Tobacco Research, U.S.A. Requests for reprints may be sent to Dr. Norman W. Heimstra.

Abstract

Increased restrictive action has been taken to limit tobacco smoking in a variety of public and occupational settings without regard to the behavioural effects of these actions on smokers. Two studies were undertaken; one examining the performance of 16 college female cigarette smokers under conditions of smoking or deprivation, and the second study investigating 16 males from the same population. Performance scores, taken from an instrumented complex psychomotor device, were adjusted for ability as determined from a training period on the device and then compared between smoking conditions. In both studies, deprived smokers performed significantly less well on the pursuit tracking task while reaction time, vigilance and mental arithmetic tasks were not affected. Results are discussed in terms of the negative effects on performance and the possible implications for work situations.

Notes

∗ investigation was supported by a grant from the Council for Tobacco Research, U.S.A. Requests for reprints may be sent to Dr. Norman W. Heimstra.