Presenter
Kylie Coleman; Fran Ligorria; Julia Ulcena
Document Type
Poster
Publication Date
2025
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to observe and examine the association between vaping and anxiety in young adults living in Rhode Island. With an increase in vaping prevalence in young adults, as well as anxiety rates on the rise, it is worthwhile to study this potential correlation and examine its psychological and physiological impacts. To investigate this relationship, researchers analyzed the results of a digital, cross-sectional, quantitative survey on the behavioral and mental health of 1,022 young adults, ages 18 to 25, which was conducted in 2022. Findings indicate that initially, there was a significant relationship between vaping and anxiety. However, when controlled for race and gender identity, that association was no longer significant because women and sexual and gender minorities (SGMs) reported higher rates of anxiety regardless of vaping. Therefore, most likely e-cigarette usage is not a significant predictor by itself. With this in mind, future research could focus on the health impacts of vaping to provide adequate education, resources, and support that increase the well-being of young adults.
Faculty Mentor
Jonathan E. Mosko, Ph.D.
Academic Discipline
College of Arts & Sciences
Repository Citation
Coleman, Kylie; Ligorria, Fran; Ulcena, Julia; and Mazo, Luisa, "Vaping and Anxiety in Young Adults" (2025). Student Research Design & Innovation Symposium. 248.
https://scholarsarchive.jwu.edu/innov_symposium/248
