A Comparative Analysis of Anxiety and Personality Characteristics in Smokers and Non-Smokers

Abstract

Cigarette smoking constitutes the single most modifiable factor in heightened morbidity and premature mortality. Multi-factorial including heritability, personality and environment contribute to the onset and maintenance of tobacco addiction which are important in tailoring successful smoking cessation strategies. This study examines the anxiety states and personality traits of smokers and non-smokers using standardized tools. Sixty students participated, with personality assessments conducted via the NEO Five-Factor Inventory (Costa & McCrae, 1992; 2008) and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Adults (Spielberger, 1977). The research aims to understand how personality traits relate to smoking behaviours among adolescents. The findings provide insights into the psychological differences between smokers and non-smokers, contributing to the broader understanding of smoking’s impact on personality development during adolescence. In conclusion, the importance of this study is that it sheds light on the connection between anxiety and smoking status. While smokers demonstrated lower state anxiety compared to non-smokers, there was no significant difference in trait anxiety between the two groups. Additionally, the analysis of personality traits using the NEO Five-Factor Inventory revealed minor variations between smokers and non-smokers across the Neuroticism, Openness to experience, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Conscientiousness, without seeing any indication of meaningful differences with none being significant. These findings highlight avenues for further research into these complex interactions.