Heavy Smokers Perform More Poorly than Nonsmokers on a Simulated Task of Gambling

Abstract

The Gambling Task (GT) has demonstrated sensitivity to a type of decision-making that differentiates individuals manifesting substance use disorders from those without such disorders. However, studies have not yet compared the GT performance of “heavy smokers” to the performance of never-smokers. In the present study, the GT performance of “heavy smokers” (n = 39) and never-smokers (n = 32) recruited from the community was compared in an experimental design. Analysis of covariance showed that “heavy smokers” performance on the GT was significantly worse than that of never-smokers (p < .01). Implications, the study's limitations and future directions are discussed.

Keywords:

• smoking
• gambling task
• self-control
• decision-making

Notes

¹ The journal's style utilizes the category substance abuse as a diagnostic category. Substances are used or misused; living organisms are and can be abused. Editor's note.