Access Type

Open Access Thesis

Date of Award

January 2013

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

M.A.

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Emily Grekin

Abstract

Waterpipe tobacco smoking has become increasingly popular in the past decade, yet no studies examined personality predictors of its use. This study is the first to assess impulsivity as a potential correlate for waterpipe tobacco smoking use and frequency. 43.2% reported ever using the waterpipe, with 64% of those reporting use less than once a month. Arab students were 3-5 times more likely to have used a waterpipe. Arab ethnicity moderated the relationship between waterpipe smoking and impulsivity such that self-reported (but not laboratory) impulsivity predicted lifetime waterpipe smoking for non-Arabs, but not for Arabs. Waterpipe users were also more likely to be male, young, and cigarette smokers. Arab ethnicity was the only predictor for more regular waterpipe use. Therefore, different factors appear to predict waterpipe lifetime use versus more regular use. Implications for prevention and intervention are discussed.

Included in

Psychology Commons

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