Understanding how thinking about health can help control cancer and improve emotions

Construal level as a novel pathway for affect regulation and cancer control

NIH-funded research University of Oregon · NIH-10828367

This study is looking at how changing the way people think about quitting smoking can help them manage their emotions and make better choices, especially for those who are struggling financially, so they can successfully stop smoking.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Oregon NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Eugene, United States)
Project IDNIH-10828367 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how the way people think about health-related behaviors, particularly in the context of smoking cessation, can influence their emotional regulation and decision-making. By focusing on the abstract versus concrete understanding of health behaviors, the study aims to develop new interventions that could help individuals, especially those living in poverty, quit smoking more effectively. The approach involves applying principles from affective science to create strategies that may lead to better health outcomes. Participants may engage in activities designed to shift their thinking patterns regarding smoking and health.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adult smokers, particularly those from impoverished backgrounds who have struggled to quit smoking.

Not a fit: Patients who do not smoke or who are not interested in quitting smoking may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative methods for helping individuals quit smoking, ultimately reducing cancer rates and improving overall health.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using construal level theory in health behavior is relatively novel, previous research has shown promise in using affect regulation strategies to influence health behaviors.

Where this research is happening

Eugene, 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.
Conditions Cancersneoplasm/cancerDisorderDisease
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.