Impulsivity, Sensation-Seeking, Emotional Neglect, and Delinquent Behavior among Pakistani E-cigarette Users

Abstract

In a world where smoke meets innovation, a sizzling trend has taken the stage by storm - E-cigarettes! As these sleek devices spark fascination and controversy alike, the rising wave of vaping and its electrifying impact on society is equally enormous. E-cigarette usage continues to grow in Pakistan and there is a scarcity of research examining the specific psychological factors associated with delinquent behavior among users. Therefore, this study investigates the influence of impulsivity and sensation-seeking on delinquent behavior among Pakistani E-cigarette users, while examining the mediating role of emotional neglect. Using a cross-sectional approach, data were collected from a sample of Pakistani E-cigarette-using adolescents aged 11-19 years old. The research employed questionnaires such as Barrat’s Impulsivity Scale (BIS), Brief Sensation Seeking Scale (BSSS), revised Self-reported Delinquency Scale (SRDS), and Emotional Neglect Scale (ENS) to gather quantitative data, respectively. Statistical software (SPSS) was used to analyze quantitative data. The findings reveal a significant positive correlation between sensation seeking and impulsivity and sensation seeking and delinquency. However, with delinquency, impulsivity had an insignificant, positive relationship. Moreover, emotional neglect was found to mediate the relationship between impulsivity and delinquent behavior. However, no mediation was found between sensation seeking and delinquent behavior. In conclusion, the current study provides valuable insights into the predictive role of impulsivity and sensation-seeking in delinquent behavior among Pakistani E-cigarette users. The mediating role of emotional neglect highlights the complex interplay between individual characteristics and environmental factors in the context of E-cigarette use and delinquency.