Understanding how distress tolerance affects quitting smoking

Distress Tolerance and Smoking Cessation

['FUNDING_R01'] · WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES · NIH-10624427

This study is looking at how well people handle stress when trying to quit smoking, and it aims to find out how our brains react to this stress, so we can create better support for those who want to stop smoking.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorWAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES (nih funded)
Locations1 site (WINSTON-SALEM, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10624427 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the relationship between distress tolerance and smoking cessation, focusing on how individuals cope with emotional distress when trying to quit smoking. It aims to identify the neural mechanisms involved in distress tolerance and how these may differ among individuals. By using both lab-based measures and real-world assessments, the study seeks to develop personalized interventions that could enhance the success rates of quitting smoking. Participants may undergo various assessments to determine their distress tolerance levels and how these relate to their smoking behaviors.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adult smokers who are attempting to quit and may struggle with emotional distress during the cessation process.

Not a fit: Patients who are not currently smokers or those who do not experience distress related to smoking may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective, personalized treatments for individuals trying to quit smoking, ultimately reducing relapse rates.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated that understanding the neural mechanisms of distress tolerance can improve smoking cessation strategies, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

WINSTON-SALEM, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Cancer Etiology, Cancer Cause

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.