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Motivations for use, identity and the vaper subculture: a qualitative study of the experiences of Western Australian vapers.

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND:Vaping is a relatively new practice, and therefore its symbolic meanings and social practices are yet to be fully understood, especially within Australia where the practice is strictly regulated. This study aimed to examine vapers motivations for use, reinforcing influences, and association with the vaper subculture. METHODS:Working from a constructivist epistemology and a symbolic interaction framework, in-depth interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 37 current (89%) and former (11%) adult vapers, 70% male, mean age of 32.5. Data was analysed via thematic analysis. RESULTS:Vapers largely started vaping to quit smoking and underwent common experiences during their initiation phase. Subsequently, vapers tended to adopt one of two dominant identities, that of the 'cloud chaser' or the 'substitute', which some users moved between during different stages of their vaping career. The social and symbolic meaning of e-cigarettes and vaping varied and involved concepts of harm reduction, addiction, pleasure, stigma and community, and for some, connection to the vaper subculture. CONCLUSIONS:Understanding the complexities of vaping, and the nuanced differences of 'cloud chasers' and 'substitute' vapers may have important implications for health communication, research and policy. E-cigarette users within this sample were not a homogeneous group and differed in their motivations for use, association with the vaper subculture and relationship with the vape community. These findings provide new insights into the socialisation process and subsequent identity adoption of vapers within the unique regulatory environment of Western Australia.

SUBMITTER: McCausland K

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7559168 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Motivations for use, identity and the vaper subculture: a qualitative study of the experiences of Western Australian vapers.

McCausland Kahlia K Jancey Jonine J Leaver Tama T Wolf Katharina K Freeman Becky B Maycock Bruce B

BMC public health 20201015 1

<h4>Background</h4>Vaping is a relatively new practice, and therefore its symbolic meanings and social practices are yet to be fully understood, especially within Australia where the practice is strictly regulated. This study aimed to examine vapers motivations for use, reinforcing influences, and association with the vaper subculture.<h4>Methods</h4>Working from a constructivist epistemology and a symbolic interaction framework, in-depth interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 37 c ...[more]

PMID: 33059652

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Project description:OBJECTIVE:To explore student physician associates' (PAs) experiences of clinical training to ascertain the process of their occupational identity formation. SETTING:The role of the PA is relatively new within the UK. There has been a rapid expansion in training places driven by National Health Service (NHS) workforce shortages, with the Department of Health recently announcing plans for the General Medical Council to statutorily regulate PAs. Given such recent changes and the relative newness of their role, PAs are currently establishing their occupational identity. Within adjacent fields, robust identity development improves well-being and career success. Thus, there are implications for recruitment, retention and workplace performance. This qualitative study analyses the views of student PAs to ascertain the process of PA occupational identity formation through the use of one-to-one semistructured interviews. A constructivist grounded theory approach to data analysis was taken. Research was informed by communities of practice and socialisation theory. PARTICIPANTS:A theoretical sample of 19?PA students from two UK medical schools offering postgraduate PA studies courses. RESULTS:A conceptual model detailing student PA identity formation is proposed. Factors facilitating identity formation include clinical exposure and continuity. Barriers to identity formation include ignorance and negativity regarding the PA role. Difficulties navigating identity formation and lacking support resulted in identity dissonance. CONCLUSIONS:Although similarities exist between PA and medical student identity formation, unique challenges exist for student PAs. These include navigating a new role and poor access to PA role models. Given this, PA students are turning to medicine for their identity. Educators must provide support for student PA identity development in line with this work's recommendations. Such support is likely to improve the job satisfaction and retention of PAs within the UK NHS.

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Dataset Information

Motivations for use, identity and the vaper subculture: a qualitative study of the experiences of Western Australian vapers.

Publications

Motivations for use, identity and the vaper subculture: a qualitative study of the experiences of Western Australian vapers.

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