Personality Traits Associated with Impulsive Behaviour as a Predictor of the Level of E-Cigarette Use in Adolescents

Abstract

This study aimed to identify personality traits related to impulsive behaviour and their role in predicting the extent of e-cigarette use among adolescents. The study included 482 adolescents of both genders. To accomplish the study's objectives, a personality trait scale linked to impulsive behaviour is employed. The arithmetic averages of the impulsive personality scale came at a high level, where cognitive impulsivity came with an arithmetic average (3.71), and a high level, followed by behavioral impulsivity with an arithmetic average (3.37), and in last place impatience/insomnia with an arithmetic average (3.33) and an average level. The findings revealed significant differences in educational level between the postgraduate category and both the secondary and university categories. These differences favoured the secondary and university categories. However, no significant differences were observed in the remaining variables, except for the cognitive rush dimension, where differences were found based on age. Specifically, the 18-20 age category showed a favourable outcome. A significant relationship was observed between personality traits related to impulsive behaviour and the use of e-cigarettes. This relationship accounted for 13.6% of the variance in e-cigarette use. The significance level for this effect was set at α =.05. Additionally, the use of e-cigarettes was found to have a significant impact on behavioural impulsivity (b = 0.208) and impatience/insomnia (b = 0.236).