<![CDATA[The use of e-cigarettes (vapes) among Generation Z (Gen Z) students in Indonesia has increased and become a social phenomenon reflecting social and cultural pressures among youth. Vapes are not only seen as an alternative to smoking but also as a symbol of modernity and a lifestyle that promotes freedom. This study aims to explore the use of vape as an emotional escape mechanism among Gen Z students and its impact on compulsive behavior and their mental well-being. This research uses a qualitative approach with a phenomenological framework. This qualitative phenomenological study involved five undergraduate students from the Dentistry Study Program at Universitas Mulawarman, Indonesia. Data was collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews and analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to examine participants lived experiences and meanings associated with vaping as a form of emotional coping. The study found that students initially used vape due to social influence, curiosity, and to quit smoking. Initially, vaping provided temporary relief, but over time, it became a habit leading to nicotine dependency, negatively affecting emotional regulation. The study implies the need for more proactive interventions in mental health education; The findings suggest that vaping may serve as a coping strategy for difficult emotions. Although counseling and help-seeking were not examined, these findings tentatively suggest the value of exploring more proactive approaches to students’ emotional well-being in future research.]]>
