Year: 2014
Type: dissertation
Abstract: Attentional bias (AB) is exhibited by substance users for addiction-related stimuli, influencing consumption, craving, and relapse. Due to limitations of AB measurements, this study developed and evaluated a novel method using manual aiming (MA). Participants completed modified visual dot-probe tasks while monitoring their eyes and limb movements. Reaction time (RT), movement time (MT), and limb trajectory (LT) were measured and compared between non-smokers (n=15) and abstaining smokers (n=13) and within smokers. Using 3 (probe) x 2 (accompanying image) x 2 (group) ANCOVAs, controlling for age, there were no significant differences for RT or LT. Trends for group and condition differences in MT were found although in the opposite direction. As expected, cravings negatively correlated with the time elapsed to complete MA. There was some tentative evidence to suggest that AB may have properties that can be examined by MT. Replication is needed with a larger sample and more dependent smokers.
Source: TSpace (University of Toronto)
Author: Agnes Hsin
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2762710341