Using future thinking to help smokers reduce cigarette use

Pilot Study of Episodic Future Thinking Among Cigarette Smokers

NA · Roswell Park Cancer Institute · NCT05825001

This study tests if thinking about positive future experiences can help smokers cut down on their cigarette use.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment96 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorRoswell Park Cancer Institute (other)
Locations1 site (Buffalo, New York)
Trial IDNCT05825001 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of an innovative approach called episodic future thinking (EFT) to help reduce cigarette consumption among smokers. Participants are randomly assigned to either an active group that engages with positive future events or a control group that reflects on positive past events. Both groups will use a carbon monoxide monitor to track their smoking behavior throughout the study. The aim is to determine if anticipating positive future experiences can motivate smokers to cut down on their cigarette use.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are daily smokers who consume at least 10 cigarettes, are willing to quit in the next 30 days, and have low socioeconomic status.

Not a fit: Patients who are currently using nicotine replacement therapy or other smoking cessation medications may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could provide a novel and effective method for helping smokers reduce their cigarette consumption and potentially quit smoking.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using episodic future thinking is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in behavioral interventions for smoking cessation, suggesting potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Smoke \>= 10 cigarettes daily
* \>32 on the Vividness of Visual Imagery Questionnaire (VVIQ)
* No regular use of other tobacco products
* In possession of a smartphone with text messaging capabilities

  * Willing to quit smoking in the next 30 days
  * Low socioeconomic status
  * Veteran of the US armed services

Exclusion Criteria:

* Unable or unwilling to provide verbal consent
* Unable or unwilling to provide data to the research team
* Current use of nicotine replacement therapy, bupropion, or varenicline
* Use of drugs of abuse in the past 30 days
* Living in the same household as a participant already enrolled in this study
* Unable or unwilling to use nicotine patches

Where this trial is running

Buffalo, New York

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Cigarette Smoking-Related Carcinoma

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.