Understanding how thinking about health can help control cancer and improve emotions
Construal level as a novel pathway for affect regulation and cancer control
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 have had a tough time stopping before, and it aims to create new, friendly strategies to support them on their journey to quit.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Oregon NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Eugene, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10977314 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 abstraction level of thoughts—whether they view health behaviors in a broad or specific way—the study aims to develop new interventions for helping individuals quit smoking, especially those who have struggled to do so in the past. The approach combines insights from psychology and affective science to create strategies that may be more effective than traditional methods. Participants may engage in exercises that help them reframe their understanding of smoking and health, potentially leading to better outcomes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adult smokers, particularly those living in poverty or who have previously 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 provide new, effective strategies for helping smokers quit, ultimately reducing cancer rates and improving overall health.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that interventions focusing on cognitive and emotional aspects of behavior change can be effective, suggesting potential for success with this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Eugene, United States
- University of Oregon — Eugene, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Berkman, Elliot Todd — University of Oregon
- Study coordinator: Berkman, Elliot Todd
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.