Using emotional labeling to help reduce cravings for cigarettes.
Official title: "Cue Labeling as a Tool to Regulate Craving During Abstinence from Smoking”.
Funded at University of California-Irvine · NIH-11035140 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a helpful technique called Affect Labeling, where smokers learn to name their feelings to better manage cravings for cigarettes when they’re trying to quit, and it aims to see how this can make cravings easier to handle.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California-Irvine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Irvine, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $215,391 |
| NIH project number | 5R21DA059798-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11035140 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults aged 21 and older who are trying to quit smoking or have recently quit.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not smoke or are not interested in quitting smoking may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a cognitive technique called Affect Labeling, which involves naming emotions to help manage cravings for cigarettes during periods of abstinence. The study aims to understand how this technique can reduce negative feelings and cravings by analyzing brain activity and self-reported experiences in smokers. Participants will engage in a task designed to help them label their emotions when exposed to smoking-related cues, potentially leading to better control over their cravings. The research will analyze data from previous studies to explore the relationship between emotional responses and cravings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide smokers with effective strategies to manage cravings and improve their chances of quitting.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in using cognitive techniques to manage cravings, suggesting that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California-Irvine
Irvine, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tabibnia, Golnaz — University of California-Irvine
- Study coordinator: Tabibnia, Golnaz
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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.