Heavy smokers perform more poorly than nonsmokers on a simulated task of gambling.
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.
Businelle
Michael S
MS
University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77230-1402, USA. msbusine@mdanderson.org
Kendzor
Darla E
DE
Rash
Carla J
CJ
Patterson
Scott M
SM
Coffey
Scott F
SF
Copeland
Amy L
AL
D000328:Adult; D002248:Carbon Monoxide / Q000032:analysis; D003198:Computer Simulation; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D005715:Gambling / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011597:Psychomotor Performance; D012907:Smoking / Q000523:psychology*
D002248:Carbon Monoxide