Narrative simulation of financial scarcity: Effects on delay discounting, cigarette craving, and cigarette demand in adults who smoke cigarettes.

ABSTRACT: Financial scarcity is associated with greater delay discounting and cigarette smoking. In experimental research, narrative simulation of scarcity increases delay discounting, but the effects of simulated scarcity on smoking behaviors have not yet been examined. In an online survey study, we examined the effects of scarcity narratives on delay discounting, cigarette craving, and behavioral economic demand for cigarettes. Adults who smoke cigarettes were randomized to read brief narratives describing either scarcity (n = 102) or neutral (control; n = 105) income conditions and imagine they were experiencing the conditions described. Participants then completed assessments of delay discounting (adjusting-delay task), cigarette craving (Questionnaire on Smoking Urges-Brief), cigarette demand (

SUBMITTER: Stein JS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12750464 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature