Environmental tobacco smoke and the development of addiction

AIM: Research has shown that exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) leads to the uptake of nicotine in the body, and a growing number of studies suggest that this may possibly result in neuro-physiological changes in the brain and early nicotine dependence symptoms in never- and novice-smoking adolescents. These effects of ETS may cause vulnerabilities to develop long-term nicotine dependence in youth. However, the exact causal relation between ETS and early nicotine dependence symptoms and brain changes is largely unknown, which is why we will conduct this longitudinal study. In this study we will combine ecological momentary assessments, longitudinal self-report assessments as well as fMRI and EEG, with the ultimate goal to provide input for policy making regarding ETS exposure.

COLLABORATORS: This project is conducted by PhD student Joyce Dieleman. Co-promotors: Marloes Kleinjan (Trimbos Instituut) Roy Otten (Pluryn) & Maartje Luijten. Promotor: prof. Rutger Engels.

FUNDING: This project is funded by the Dutch Cancer Society.