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Background/aimsThe aim of this investigation was to identify which design elements on Natural American Spirit packs are salient to (i.e., noticed by) U.S. adult smokers and what meanings smokers derive from these elements.MethodWe conducted a secondary analysis of qualitative data from a study of cigarette packaging design. U.S. adult smokers ( n = 33) from all nine census regions participated in six telephone-based focus groups in March 2017. We used constant comparison analysis to identify key themes.ResultsFour themes were identified, two focused on salient design elements and two focused on design element meanings. The themes of "bright and flashy color" and "the American Indian logo" were identified as key design elements, while the themes of "healthy and safer" and "targeting at-risk smokers" were identified as meanings smokers derived from design elements.ConclusionsPack design elements influence smokers' perceptions about reduced health risk of Natural American Spirit cigarettes and may be especially dangerous to vulnerable populations, including young adults and American Indians. Findings from this study suggest that the banning of text descriptors may not be enough to address misconceptions about "healthier" cigarettes.

This article includes a review of the literature on personal epistemology and the reflective judgment model and applies these theoretical concepts to undergraduate students who engage in service-learning projects. The application will provide instructors with greater understanding of students' abilities and limitations in their service-learning experiences. Included are traditional, modern, and expressive teaching activities that were designed, with literature support, to enhance students' epistemological reflection and aid them in preparing for and completing service-learning projects.

The present study assessed the attitudes of school professionals in training at an American university toward homosexuality and their comfort, action-related disposition, and preparation to work with gay and lesbian (GL) families and their children. Fifty-nine students specializing in birth through kindergarten education and school social work participated in the study. Overall, participants held positive attitudes toward homosexuality, felt prepared to work with this population, and were willing to take action on the issue. Nevertheless, the overall comfort in working with GL parents on a personal basis was low. The implications of these findings for the fields of early childhood and school social work higher education and in research are discussed. (Contains 6 tables.)

INTRODUCTION While plain packaging of tobacco products has emerged as a policy intervention to reduce smoking, regulators in the US have limited ability to implement plain packaging. We sought to identify the impact of subtle changes to cigarette packaging (Study 1) and how packaging design influenced participant choices based on appeal, harm, and style (Study 2). METHODS We conducted two discrete-choice experiments with US adult smokers online in 2018. In Study 1 (n=285), we assessed participants' selections based on subtle changes to pack design features (dimensions, color saturation, logo size). In Study 2 (n=284), we assessed three choices in which participants selected packs based on appeal, harmfulness, and best match to their personal style. Study 2 packs varied by color hue, design with different levels of organic labeling and natural imagery, and color saturation. RESULTS Pack designs influenced smokers' choices. In Study 1, pack dimensions and color saturation emerged as the most important features, and, in Study 2, design and color hue were the most influential characteristics. CONCLUSIONS Regulators should consider how the design of cigarette packages may influence consumers' perceptions and choices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Researchers and regulators need to know how changes to cigarette packages can influence population health. We sought to advance research on the role of cigarette packaging by assessing a theory-informed framework from the fields of design and consumer research. The selected Context of Consumption Framework posits cognitive, affective, and behavioral responses to visual design. To assess the Framework's potential for guiding research on the visual design of cigarette packaging in the U.S., this study seeks to understand to what extent the Context of Consumption Framework converges with how adult smokers think and talk about cigarette pack designs., Methods: Data for this qualitative study came from six telephone-based focus groups conducted in March 2017. Two groups consisted of lesbian, gay, and bisexual participants; two groups of participants with less than four years college education; one group of LGB and straight identity; and one group the general population. All groups were selected for regional, gender, and racial/ethnic diversity. Participants (n=33) represented all nine U.S. Census divisions. We conducted a deductive qualitative analysis., Results: Cigarette package designs captured the participants' attention, suggested the characteristics of the product, and reflected (or could be leveraged to convey) multiple dimensions of consumer identity. Particular to the affective responses to design, our participants shared that cigarette packaging conveyed how the pack could be used to particular ends, created an emotional response to the designs, complied with normative expectations of a cigarette, elicited interest when designs change, and prompted fascination when unique design characteristics are used., Conclusions: Use of the Context of Consumption Framework for cigarette product packaging design can inform regulatory research on tobacco product packaging. Researchers and regulators should consider multiple cognitive, affective, and behavioral responses to cigarette pack design., Competing Interests: CONFLICTS OF INTEREST They declare that they do not have any relevant financial activities outside the submitted work, or financial relationships with entities listed in the instructions of the ICMJE the 36 months prior to the publication of the present study. The authors declare that they do not have any patents, whether planned, pending or issued, broadly relevant to the work, and that they have no other relationships/conditions/circumstances that present a potential conflict of interest