The influence of neuroticism in terms of E-cigarette dependence and beliefs about use and quitting among dual users of combustible and electronic cigarettes

Objective: Dual use of combustible and electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) is increasing in prevalence and may be related to an increased risk for health problems. Accordingly, dual users represent a particularly vulnerable group. Neuroticism is an individual difference factor that demonstrates robust relations to combustible cigarette use. Yet, no work has examined neuroticism in relation to e-cigarette dependence or cognitions among dual users. Methods: To address this limitation, the present study examined neuroticism in relation to e-cigarette dependence, expectancies about the negative effects of e-cigarettes, and perceived barriers for quitting e-cigarettes. The present study analyzed data collected from a cross-sectional survey of 437 dual combustible cigarette and e-cigarette users (49.9% female, M_age = 35.12 years, SD = 10.04). Results: Results indicated that neuroticism was significantly, positively related to e-cigarette dependence (ΔR² = 0.02, p < .001), expectancies about the negative effects of e-cigarettes (ΔR² = 0.03, p < .001), and perceived barriers for quitting e-cigarettes (ΔR² = 0.10, p < .001). Conclusions: These novel findings suggest there may be merit in further exploring the role of neuroticism in the maintenance of concurrent combustible cigarette and e-cigarette use.