Association of Vaping Reasons with Stress, Anxiety, and Depression Among Young Adults Who Currently Vape

Abstract

Purpose: The use of e-cigarettes can worsen mental health symptoms in young adults. However, little is known about how young adults’ mental health may relate to their reasons for using e-cigarettes (vaping). We examined the association of mental health and vaping reasons among young adults who currently vape. Methods: Data were analyzed from a sample of young adults who vape (N = 436, M age =25.19) who participated in an online survey assessing mental health (stress, anxiety, and depression) and vaping reasons (vape for tension reduction or relaxation, user experience, product or substance, or utility). We conducted multiple regressions and ANCOVAs, controlling for age, gender, past 30-day e-cigarette use, and past 30-day cigarette smoking. Results: Experiencing higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression were associated with vaping for tension reduction or relaxation among young adults who vape (ps < 0.001) and for those who dual use e-cigarettes and cigarettes (ps < 0.01). Experiencing severe anxiety level was associated with vaping for tension reduction or relaxation than among those experiencing minimal, mild or moderate anxiety (ps < 0.05). Conclusions: Findings show that higher stress, anxiety, and depression are associated with greater likelihood of vaping for tension reduction or relaxation. More research should examine the association of stress, anxiety, and depression on vaping in young adults to identify and determine appropriate interventions to help with vaping cessation.