Reconfiguring interpretive bias in smokers: an integrated approach combining identity and contextual interventions

Smoking-related interpretive bias, a core aspect of cognitive distortion in addiction, remains poorly understood regarding its specific characteristics and underlying activation mechanisms. This study addressed this gap through three sub studies exploring the intrinsic properties of smokers’ interpretive bias, the role of smoker identity, and the moderating effect of cognitive load. The Ambiguous Scenario Test was employed to assess interpretive bias. Results revealed that smokers exhibited significantly higher levels of smoking related interpretive bias compared to nonsmokers. Furthermore, smokers with a strong smoker identity displayed more pronounced bias than those with a weak identity. Importantly, the predictive influence of smoker identity on this bias diminished as cognitive load increased, indicating that cognitive resources modulate the identity bias relationship. These findings suggest that sufficient cognitive capacity is necessary for smoker identity to effectively activate associated interpretive biases. By clarifying the core features of smoking-related interpretive bias, identifying smoker identity as a key contributor, and demonstrating cognitive load’s moderating role, this research advances theoretical understanding of cognitive bias components and triggering mechanisms in smokers. The results also hold practical implications for developing targeted interventions aimed at disrupting maladaptive cognitive processes in smoking behavior.