Thinking about the future might help smokers kick the habit, but study never got off the ground

NCT ID NCT05110612

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study planned to test whether asking daily smokers to imagine positive future events could reduce their desire to smoke and make them more cautious about losses. The researchers intended to enroll adults who smoked at least five cigarettes a day and measure their smoking behavior and decision-making. However, the study was withdrawn before any participants were enrolled, so no conclusions can be drawn.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance
Episodic Future Thinking (a mental exercise where participants imagine positive future events)
What could go wrong
The study was withdrawn before enrolling anyone, so no data was collected. It is unknown whether this approach would work in practice.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Tobacco Smoking

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

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