The effects of smoking on mood, rapport, and satisfaction in conversation among Japanese smokers in a first meeting: a randomized controlled trial

Through a randomized control design, this study examines whether tobacco consumption contributes to mood change and social enhancement in dyadic conversation. In addition, we would like to focus on the difference between smoking device and cigarette use. Specifically, we compare the intrapersonal and interpersonal communication in dyadic conversation among the cigarette group, the smoking device cigarette group, the water group, and the nothing consumption group. In this study, 80 participants engaged in a dyadic, face-to-face, unstructured conversation with a stranger of the same gender. Regarding intrapersonal communication, no significant differences were found between the groups’ POMS 2 subscale scores (anger-hostility, confusion-bewilderment, depression-dejection, tension-anxiety, fatigue-inertia, vigor-activity, and friendliness). The smoking device and cigarette groups had greater rapport than the water group. Moreover, the smoking device group was more satisfied with dyadic conversation than the water group. Finally, there were no significant differences in verbal communication among all the groups.