The University of Newcastle, Australia

University researchers are asking anyone who smokes at least 15 cigarettes each day to take part in a study to better understand why people smoke.

Previous research has found a relationship between smoking and brain function, particularly for people diagnosed with schizophrenia. However, few studies have directly asked people suffering schizophrenia why they smoke.

The University's School of Psychology is seeking two groups of volunteers aged 18 to 60:

• Group 1: individuals with a current diagnosis of schizophrenia
Group 2: individuals who do not have a personal history of mental illness or a first-degree relative with a diagnosis of schizophrenia

Participants will be asked to attend two appointments and undertake a range of tasks designed to assess different brain functions, in the first instance while maintaining regular smoking behaviour and then after abstaining.

The study also features a 'self-report' component for participants who are unable to attend appointments. A questionnaire will assess different reasons for smoking, as well as background information and smoking history.

The research aims to contribute to more targeted strategies to reduce smoking rates. Staff and students are being invited to take part in the study, in particular smokers who have no history of psychological illness.

For further information, contact Alison Beck, Smoke Study Project Coordinator