Author ORCID Identifier
0009-0006-9124-8969
Defense Date
2025
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
Department
Health Psychology
First Advisor
Caroline Cobb
Abstract
Electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) use continues to rise among young adults in the United States, raising public health concerns as the harmful effects of ENDS continue to rise while tailored cessation programs lag. Weight control motives may drive ENDS initiation and frequent use, particularly among sexual and gender minority (SGM) populations, who report higher ENDS use, body dissatisfaction, and disordered eating behaviors than those who identify as heterosexual and cisgender. Understanding these behaviors, their mechanisms, and at-risk populations is critical for improving public health. Seven hundred and eight young adults (ages 18–30; M = 26, SD = 3.3) reporting past 30-day ENDS use were recruited via Qualtrics Panels (Feb–Mar 2025). Participants completed an online survey assessing ENDS use for weight control, perceptions of ENDS as a weight control tool, body appreciation, disordered eating behaviors, and relevant sociodemographics. Mediation and moderated mediation models tested whether ENDS expectancies to control weight mediated associations between body appreciation or disordered eating behaviors and ENDS use for weight control, and whether SGM identity or sex assigned at birth moderated these relationships. Models demonstrated that ENDS expectancies to control weight fully mediated the association between body appreciation and ENDS use for weight control, and partially mediated the association with disordered eating behaviors. No moderated mediation was found when SGM identity and sex assigned at birth were included as moderators. ENDS prevention and intervention programs should consider addressing weight-related motives, promote healthier weight management strategies, and clarify misperceptions around ENDS’ ability to control weight.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
9-29-2025