Narrative Theory III: Evolutionary Narratives Addressing Mating Motives Change Discounting and Tobacco Valuation

Relationships between discounting and addictive behaviors have both state- and trait-based components. Evolutionarily driven motives may trigger risk-taking behaviors, and narratives might be used to alter the temporal window of reward valuation. The current investigation-in 2 separate studies-sought to understand the basic effects of narratives on smoking behavior by examining the effect of mating narratives on the discounting rates of cigarette smokers. Using data collected online, Study 1 (N = 132) assessed the within-individual effect of a mating narrative describing a long-term romantic relationship on rates of discounting after being randomly assigned to 1 of 2 narratives (romance or control) and Study 2 (N = 273) assessed the between-individual effect of 2 mating narratives (1 describing a long-term romantic relationship and 1 describing a short-term sexual encounter) on rates of discounting, craving, and cigarette valuation after being randomly assigned to 1 of 3 motivational narratives (romance, sex, or control). Reading the romance narrative decreased rates of discounting (i.e., increased preference for larger delayed rewards), compared to a control narrative (Studies 1 and 2). In contrast, reading the sexual narrative increased discounting (i.e., decreased preference for larger delayed rewards). Moreover, the romance narrative significantly decreased craving of cigarettes while the sexual narrative increased cigarette valuation (Study 2). These findings suggest that mating narratives may be useful in manipulating the temporal window of reward valuation, relevant for altering demand and craving, and may show potential as a component of future behavioral addiction interventions. Given the small effect sizes, replicating the study in future research will be beneficial.