Attention Training in Smokers: A Feasibility Study of an Ecological Momentary Assessment Approach

Attention retraining AR is a novel potential treatment for tobacco dependence. AR trains smokers to attend away from smoking cues. Ordinarily AR has been delivered in the lab. We tested the feasibility of delivering AR on a PDA in the field. Smokers N12 were randomly assigned to an AR group or control no training group. They carried around a PDA for one week. They were prompted to complete 4 assessments per day, including 3 AR AR group or control tasks control group. One PDA malfunctioned. Participants completed 196 of 255 77 of presented assessments. Training assessments lasted 10.27 minutes on average. Participants reported that they were not interrupted on the majority 69.4 of assessments. The data suggested that AR appeared to have the intended effect on attention. This pilot study is the first to show that it is feasible to deliver cognitive training on a PDA in ecologically valid settings.