Electronic Cigarette Use Intentions Mediate the Association between Low Self-Control and Future Use by Internalizing Symptoms

Abstract

Background: Adolescent electronic (e-)cigarette use intentions are related to initiation. Low self-control is also a risk factor for early stages of substance use. Yet, the impact of low self-control on use through intentions may vary across individuals; depression and anxiety may affect this association. Methods: A sample of 200 adolescents who completed waves 1 and 2 of an ongoing longitudinal study were assessed. We hypothesized that high internalizing symptoms would moderate the indirect effect of low self-control on actual e-cigarette use through e-cigarette use intentions. Results: The mediation pathway was significant at high levels of internalizing symptoms, but not at low or moderate levels. Conclusion: Specifically, those with low self-control and high internalizing symptomatology endorsed the highest e-cigarette use intentions and were more likely to subsequently use e-cigarettes. Youth low in self-control and high in depression and anxiety might be at increased risk to initiate e-cigarette use compared to youth high in self-control and high in internalizing symptomatology.

Keywords: adolescence; anxiety; depression; e-cigarettes; low self-control.

Figure 1.

Youth’s self-report of low self-control on days of e-cigarette use through e-cigarette use intentions in one year by depression. Solid lines represent significant paths, while dashed lines represent non-significant paths. Covariates are not depicted in the figure. **p < 0.01, *** p < 0.001.

Figure 2.

Youth’s self-report of low self-control on intentions to use e-cigarettes in one year by depression; ** p < 0.01. High values = 1 SD below the mean, Moderate values = mean, Low values = 1 SD above the mean.

Figure 3.

Youth’s self-report of low self-control on days of e-cigarette use through e-cigarette use intentions in one year by anxiety. Solid lines represent significant paths, while dashed lines represent non-significant paths. Covariates are not depicted in the figure. ** p < 0.01, *** p < 0.001.

Figure 4.

Youth’s self-report of low self-control on intentions to use e-cigarettes in one year by anxiety; ** p < 0.01. High values = 1 SD below the mean, Moderate values = mean, Low values = 1 SD above the mean.