Vaping Versus Smoking: Effects on Attention and Executive Functioning in Young Adults

Background Tobacco smoking remains a major global public health concern, with approximately 1.25 billion adults using tobacco worldwide. Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes or vapes) have gained popularity among an estimated 82 million users globally. Emerging evidence suggests that both cigarette smoking and vaping are associated with alterations in cognitive functioning; however, comparative evidence regarding their effects on attention and executive functioning remains limited. Purpose The present study aimed to compare selective attention and executive functioning among cigarette smokers, e-cigarette smokers and non-smokers. Methods A non-experimental, cross-sectional between-groups design was employed. Using purposive and snowball sampling, 90 participants were recruited and categorised into three groups: cigarette smokers ( M age = 21.73), e-cigarette smokers ( Mage = 21.77) and non-smokers ( M age = 21.90), with 30 participants (15 males and 15 females) in each group. Selective attention was assessed using the online Stroop Test administered via PsyToolkit, while executive functioning was measured using the Behaviour Rating Inventory of Executive Function–Adult Version, including the Behavioural Regulation Index, Metacognition Index and Global Executive Composite (GEC). Results E-cigarette smokers demonstrated comparatively stronger performance in attentional control, self-monitoring and working memory than cigarette smokers. Cigarette smokers exhibited the fastest Stroop performance and showed stronger inhibitory control and emotional regulation. Non-smokers outperformed both smoking groups on cognitive flexibility (shifting), planning and organisation, metacognitive abilities and overall executive functioning as reflected by GEC scores. Conclusion Distinct patterns of cognitive functioning were observed across cigarette smokers, e-cigarette smokers and non-smokers. While vaping was associated with relatively better performance in selected executive domains than cigarette smoking, non-smokers consistently demonstrated superior overall executive functioning. These findings contribute to the growing evidence on the cognitive correlates of smoking behaviours and underscore the need for longitudinal research to examine their long-term neurocognitive consequences.