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The Effectiveness of the Protection Motivation Theory in Reducing Vaping Behaviour in a Student Population
By Babac Salmani
According to Statistics Canada, more than one-third of Canadian students have tried vaping products at some point in their lives with the highest rates of trying vaping being among young adults (18-24 years). The aim of the proposed study is to investigate whether the use of an eight-minute informational video, following the threat appraisal components of the Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) framework and the effect it has on:
- Affective intention and behaviour related to reduction in vaping behaviour directly following intervention and after the six-week follow-up;
- Whether perceived vulnerability or perceived severity are associated with a reduction in intentions to vape and overall vaping use among the intervention group.
Results will corroborate regular e-cigarette users (at least three times a month) affected responses to a single-site health information video, highlighting the threats associated with e-cigarettes on psychological variables and vaping behaviour.
Babac is a first-generation Canadian currently completing his PhD in Behavioural Medicine at Western University. The youngest son of two Iranian immigrants, Babac’s passion has always been centred on sport, exercise, and behaviour change. During his Master’s degree, Babac focused on maladaptive behaviour change, specifically on vaping. From his Master’s work, he has transitioned his scope of research to physical activity promotion and digital health solutions. Babac is currently working with the Government Canada and is excited to translate his theoretical findings into practice.
You can connect with Babac on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/babacsalmani/
View Babac's work as it appears in the Inspiring Minds Digital Collection: https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds/226/