Abstract:
Abstract
Adulthood is an age influenced by society, culture and personal traits. Vaping has become
a prominent issue among young adults making it important to understand the psychology behind
it. E-cigarettes were first promoted to help people quit smoking but now many young individuals
consume them being under the influence of various causes. This study focuses on how comparing
oneself to others, cunning traits and emotional intelligence effect the self-esteem of young vapers.
The rise in vaping among young adults is a big public health issue. Literature gap was
noticed on studying the psychosocial traits of vapers such as social comparison, machiavellian
traits and emotional intelligence. This study fills the gap by exploring how these psychological
aspects work together and effect the self-esteem of vapers.
This study aims to look at how social comparison and Machiavellian traits can influence
the self-esteem of young vape users. Also, the role of emotional intelligence was studied as a
moderator. The study uses quantitative method to explore how social comparison, Machiavellian
traits and emotional intelligence are connected to self-esteem of e-cigarette consumers. Sample
included young student vapers aged between 18 to 28 years. Data was gathered utilizing structured
and standardized questionnaires. Statistical analysis of correlation, independent sample t test,
multiple linear regression and moderation analysis were used to understand the relationships
among variables.
Results indicated that social comparison and machiavellian traits have direct association
with self-esteem of e-cigarette consumers as results showed negative association of social
comparison and machiavellian traits with self-esteem of vapers. Significant gender differences
were also noted in self-esteem and two sub-scales of machiavellian traits including amorality and
desire for control.This research provides insights into how specific psychological traits such as
Machiavellianism and social behaviors like comparing oneself to others impact self-esteem of
young vape consumers. Clinicians and therapists working with young adults can utilize the
findings into their practices by assessing clients for emotional intelligence and machiavellian traits.
This can help in shaping therapeutic approaches to address risk factors with aim of supporting
better mental health outcomes.
