FlexiQuit Vaping: An ACT-Based Digital Therapeutic for Youth Vaping Cessation in Cyprus
This dissertation examines the development and evaluation of FlexiQuit Vaping, a digital intervention based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for vaping cessation among adolescents and young adults in Cyprus. The project responds to the alarming increase in e-cigarette use among students and young people and to the significant gap in evidence-based cessation interventions for this age group.
The intervention is delivered through a mobile application featuring an avatar guide, a gamified and interactive environment, short lessons and ACT-based exercises. These features aim at increasing psychological flexibility, recognizing triggers for use, accepting difficult thoughts and emotions, and connecting with personal values.
The effectiveness of FlexiQuit Vaping will be evaluated through a randomized controlled trial (RCT) with a waitlist control group, with primary outcomes including readiness to quit, 24-hour quit attempts, and biochemically verified 30-day abstinence at 6 months. The aim of the dissertation is to provide a scalable, clinically applicable digital tool that can help reduce vaping among young people and support national
goals for a “Tobacco-Free Generation” in Cyprus.
Last Updated on February 7, 2026
