Personality Characteristics in Smokers and Nonsmokers According to the Five-Factor Model of Personality

The goal of current study was to assess the personality characteristics in smokers and nonsmokers using a comprehensive model of personality, the Five-Factor Model. 100 smoker university students (50 light smokers and 50 moderate to heavy smokers) and 50 nonsmokeruniversity students were selected and assessed by the Revised NEO Personality Inventory (NEO-PI-R). The results indicated that the mean scores of neuroticism factor and its anxiety, depression, angry hostility, impulsiveness and vulnerability traits in light smokers and moderate to heavy smokers were higher than normal individuals. Also, mean scores of neuroticism factor and its anxiety and vulnerability traits in moderate to heavy smokers were higher than light smokers. Mean scores of extraversion factor and its assertiveness, activity and excitement-seeking anxiety traits in light smokers and moderate to heavy smokers were higher than normal individuals. In contrast, mean scores of agreeableness and conscientiousness factors in normal individuals were higher than light smokers and moderate to heavy smokers. According to findings one might claim that personality traits are crucial in smoking and personality researches may lead to a deeper understanding of various aspects of cigarette smoking and can potentially contribute to policies and programs of smoking intervention, prevention and cessation