The Personality of the Cigarette Smoker: Some Empirical Data

Abstract

Smokers and nonsmokers are compared in terms of psychological needs, self-descriptions, self-esteem, academic achievement in high school and college and marihuana use. On the EPPS [Edwards Personal Preference Schedule] smokers scored significantly higher on the needs for autonomy (P < .01), change (P < .02) and heterosexuality (P < .05), while nonsmokers scored higher on the needs for achievement (P < .05), deference (P < .001) and order (P < .001). Smokers rated themselves as being more sociable (P < .05), while nonsmokers rated themselves as being more careful (P < .05) and reliable (P < .05). While the 2 groups did not differ on a measure of self-esteem, smokers had lower grades in high school (P < .05) and college (P < .01) and were more likely (P < .0001) to use marihuana. These findings were compared to the results of previous studies.