Tobacco UseNCT02481752
The Effect of AAT Training in Smokers
A study testing Approach Avoidance Training in people with Tobacco Use, run by Jasper A. Smits at 1 site in United States.
Trial summary
The purpose of this research study is to investigate the effect of a brief computer task (Approach Avoidance Task) on smoking cessation. The investigators will use a novel training protocol that works to target automatic thoughts and tendencies that occur outside of conscious control. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 65 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Tobacco Use
- What is being tested?
- Approach Avoidance Training
- Could I receive a placebo?
- Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
- How many people
- 52 participants
- Where
- 1 siteUnited States
- Study dates
- Jul 2015to Mar 2016
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 65 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Male and female patients ages 18-65 capable of providing informed consent
- Willing and able to provide informed consent, attend all study visits, and comply with the protocol
- Daily smoker for at least 6 months
- Currently smoke an average of at least 8 cigarettes per day
- Report a motivation to quit smoking of at least 5 on a 10-point scale
- Interest in making a serious quit attempt within the next month (without professional assistance or nicotine therapy)
- Have not decreased their number of cigarettes by more than half in the last six months
Who cannot join
- Visual or hand-motoric impairments
- Current use of nicotine replacement therapy
- Current use of tobacco products other than cigarettes
- Insufficient command of the English language
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
The purpose of this research study is to investigate the effect of a brief computer task (Approach Avoidance Task) on smoking cessation. The investigators will use a novel training protocol that works to target automatic thoughts and tendencies that occur outside of conscious control. Previous research suggests that these automatic tendencies may have a direct effect on certain health behaviors- like continuing to smoke despite having previous quit attempts.
The investigators hypothesize that individuals in the AAT training condition will evidence a greater decrease in reaction times to avoid smoking-related stimuli \& approach positive stimuli relative to those in the control condition. The investigators also expect that individuals in the AAT condition will exhibit superior outcomes on several quit-related variables as evidenced by an increase in motivation to quit smoking, an increase in number of days abstinent following a self-guided quit attempt, an increase in self-efficacy, and a decrease in urge to smoke compared to those in the SHAM training condition.
- Conditions
- Tobacco Use
- Being tested
- Approach Avoidance Training, SHAM Training
- Keywords
- Tobacco Use, Nicotine Dependence
- Medical subject headings
- Tobacco Use, Tobacco Use Disorder
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Approach Avoidance TrainingOther
The Approach Avoidance Task (AAT) used for this experiment is an implicit, computerized paradigm in which participants respond to visually presented pictures on a computer screen displaying either 1) smoking-related images or 2) positive images, by pulling a joystick either towards their body (approach movement) or pushing it away from their body (avoidance movement). By pulling the joystick towards their body, the picture grows in size; by pushing the joystick away, the picture shrinks and then disappears from the screen. Participants are instructed to pull upon seeing an image tilted to the right and to push upon seeing a left-tilt image, while ignoring the image content and responding as quickly and as accurately as possible.
SHAM TrainingOther
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| AAT Training Group | Experimental | Individuals in this condition will receive four sessions of AAT training in which they are instructed to approach (pull the joystick) images tilted to the right and avoid (push the joystick) images tilted to the left. They will be told that the training may weaken automatic cigarette-approach and strengthen automatic cigarette-avoidance. Furthermore, they will be told that the opposite effect will be true for the stimuli not related to cigarettes (i.e., the positive stimuli). Receives: Other: Approach Avoidance Training |
| SHAM Training Group | Sham comparator | Individuals in this condition will receive four sessions of SHAM training in which they are instructed to approach (pull the joystick) images tilted to the right and avoid (push the joystick) images tilted to the left. They will be told that the purpose of the training is to improve control over these automatic tendencies and that following the training sessions, they will easily be able to push or pull the stimuli regardless of content. Receives: Other: SHAM Training |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Reaction Time on Approach Avoidance Task
The time between the start of the trial and the picture disappearing from the screen will be recorded. The investigators will look at the change in response times for each individual. The investigators hypothesize that there will be a greater decrease in reaction time for those in the AAT training group.
Measured: 2 weeks
Secondary outcomes (4)
Motivation to Quit Smoking as assessed by having participants rate their motivation to quit smoking on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being not motivated at all and 10 being extremely motivated to quit).
The investigators expect that individuals in the AAT training condition will have a greater motivation to quit smoking relative to those in the SHAM condition.
Measured: 2 weeks
Number of Days Abstinent as assessed by daily cigarette count during a self-guided quit attempt.
The investigators hypothesize that individuals in the AAT training condition will be more likely to have a greater number of days abstinent following Quit Day relative to those in the SHAM condition.
Measured: 2 weeks
Self Efficacy as assessed by the Relapse Situation Self-Efficacy questionnaire.
The investigators expect to see a greater increase in self-efficacy for the AAT training group relative to the SHAM training group.
Measured: 2 weeks
Urge to Smoke as assessed by the QSU-brief (Questionnaire of Smoking Urges).
The investigators hypothesize that individuals in the AAT training condition will evidence a greater decrease in urge to smoke relative to those in the SHAM condition.
Measured: 2 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted25 Jun 2015 (estimated)
- Study startJul 2015
- Primary completionMar 2016
- Study completionMar 2016
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Tobacco UseStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Other
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Participant
- Enrolment
- 52 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Jasper A. Smits
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor-investigator, Jasper A. Smits, University of Texas at Austin
- Investigators
- Jasper A Smits, Ph.D., Principal investigator, University of Texas at AustinScarlett O Baird, B.A., Principal investigator, University of Texas at Austin
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT02481752
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 2015-02-0023
- Status last verified
- Aug 2016
- First submitted
- 17 Jun 2015
- Last updated
- 15 Jun 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 15 Jun 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- The Effect of AAT Training in Smokers
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT02481752
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 2015-02-0023
- Conditions
- Tobacco Use
- Keywords
- Tobacco Use, Nicotine Dependence
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 52 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Jasper A. SmitsUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- Jul 2015
- Primary completion
- Mar 2016 (actual)
- Study completion
- Mar 2016 (actual)
- First posted
- 25 Jun 2015 (estimated)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The purpose of this research study is to investigate the effect of a brief computer task (Approach Avoidance Task) on smoking cessation. The investigators will use a novel training protocol that works to target automatic thoughts and tendencies that occur outside of conscious control. Previous research suggests that these automatic tendencies may have a direct effect on certain health behaviors- like continuing to smoke despite having previous quit attempts.
The investigators hypothesize that individuals in the AAT training condition will evidence a greater decrease in reaction times to avoid smoking-related stimuli \& approach positive stimuli relative to those in the control condition. The investigators also expect that individuals in the AAT condition will exhibit superior outcomes on several quit-related variables as evidenced by an increase in motivation to quit smoking, an increase in number of days abstinent following a self-guided quit attempt, an increase in self-efficacy, and a decrease in urge to smoke compared to those in the SHAM training condition.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Other
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (participant)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| AAT Training Group | Experimental | Other: Approach Avoidance TrainingIndividuals in this condition will receive four sessions of AAT training in which they are instructed to approach (pull the joystick) images tilted to the right and avoid (push the joystick) images tilted to the left. They will be told that the training may weaken automatic cigarette-approach and strengthen automatic cigarette-avoidance. Furthermore, they will be told that the opposite effect will be true for the stimuli not related to cigarettes (i.e., the positive stimuli). |
| SHAM Training Group | Sham comparator | Other: SHAM TrainingIndividuals in this condition will receive four sessions of SHAM training in which they are instructed to approach (pull the joystick) images tilted to the right and avoid (push the joystick) images tilted to the left. They will be told that the purpose of the training is to improve control over these automatic tendencies and that following the training sessions, they will easily be able to push or pull the stimuli regardless of content. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (7 listed)
- Male and female patients ages 18-65 capable of providing informed consent
- Willing and able to provide informed consent, attend all study visits, and comply with the protocol
- Daily smoker for at least 6 months
- Currently smoke an average of at least 8 cigarettes per day
- Report a motivation to quit smoking of at least 5 on a 10-point scale
Key exclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Visual or hand-motoric impairments
- Current use of nicotine replacement therapy
- Current use of tobacco products other than cigarettes
- Insufficient command of the English language
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Approach Avoidance TrainingThe Approach Avoidance Task (AAT) used for this experiment is an implicit, computerized paradigm in which participants respond to visually presented pictures on a computer screen displaying either 1) smoking-related images or 2) positive images, by pulling a joystick either towards their body (approach movement) or pushing it away from their body (avoidance movement). By pulling the joystick towards their body, the picture grows in size; by pushing the joystick away, the picture shrinks and then disappears from the screen. Participants are instructed to pull upon seeing an image tilted to the right and to push upon seeing a left-tilt image, while ignoring the image content and responding as quickly and as accurately as possible. | Other | AAT Training Group |
| SHAM Training | Other | SHAM Training Group |
Primary outcome
Reaction Time on Approach Avoidance Task
Time frame: 2 weeks
The time between the start of the trial and the picture disappearing from the screen will be recorded. The investigators will look at the change in response times for each individual. The investigators hypothesize that there will be a greater decrease in reaction time for those in the AAT training group.
4 secondary outcomes
Motivation to Quit Smoking as assessed by having participants rate their motivation to quit smoking on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being not motivated at all and 10 being extremely motivated to quit).
Time frame: 2 weeks
Number of Days Abstinent as assessed by daily cigarette count during a self-guided quit attempt.
Time frame: 2 weeks
Self Efficacy as assessed by the Relapse Situation Self-Efficacy questionnaire.
Time frame: 2 weeks
Urge to Smoke as assessed by the QSU-brief (Questionnaire of Smoking Urges).
Time frame: 2 weeks
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 15 Jun 2026.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Jasper A Smits, Ph.D. principal investigator
University of Texas at Austin
Scarlett O Baird, B.A. principal investigator
University of Texas at Austin
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Approach Avoidance Training in people with Tobacco Use, run by Jasper A. Smits at 1 site in United States.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 7 inclusion and 4 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 15 Jun 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Reaction Time on Approach Avoidance Task (time frame: 2 weeks). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 15 Jun 2026.