Mimicry connects smokers and can make quitting difficult

Researchers from SWPS University have discovered that mimicking the behaviors of smokers can lead to increased tobacco consumption and make quitting more difficult. In a study published in the International Journal of Psychology, the researchers examined the phenomenon of mimicry, also known as the "chameleon effect," as a potential "social glue" in interactions between smokers. The findings could inform the design of smoking areas and anti-smoking campaigns.

In the first experiment, 40 adults participated in interviews about their health and lifestyle habits. Some participants were subtly mimicked by the experimenter while others were not. Later, the participants were invited to a smoking area. Those who were mimicked smoked an average of 2.5 cigarettes, twice as many as the control group. They also reported a greater liking for the experimenter, suggesting that mimicry strengthens social bonds that can perpetuate addiction.

To further explore the impact of mimicry, the researchers conducted a second phase of the study with 120 participants in natural settings, such as smoking areas of Warsaw clubs and pubs. Participants were randomly assigned to three groups: one with no mimicry, one with synchronized smoking, and one with unsynchronized smoking. The results showed that synchronized smoking reduced participants' stated willingness to quit smoking within five years from 8.80 to just 2.65 on a 10-point scale.

Furthermore, mimicked individuals expressed a significantly higher willingness to switch from regular cigarettes to e-cigarettes.

The study's lead author, social psychologist Professor Wojciech Kulesza, emphasized that understanding the role of mimicry in tobacco addiction could help develop more effective intervention strategies. The researchers propose transforming communal smoking areas into single-person spaces and educating smokers about the impact of mimicry on nicotine addiction.