Personality determinants of the use of tobacco products

According to Eysenckʹs Diathesis-Stress Theory, individual differences in personality contribute to the persistent use of tobacco products. In previous research, users of smokeless tobacco (SLT-Users) scored significantly higher than Non-Users on the Neuroticism, Extraversion, and Psychoticism scales of the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire. SLT-Users also scored higher on Spielbergerʹs trait anxiety and trait anger measures, and were described as more impulsive, aggressive and quick-tempered than Non-Users. Consistent with Eysenckʹs Theory and previous research, SLT-Users in the present study had significantly higher mean scores than Non-Users of tobacco products on trait anxiety and the NEO-FFI Neuroticism scale. The SLT-Users also had significantly higher trait anger, angry temperament, and angry reaction scores than Smokers and Non-Users, and reported that they were more likely to express rather than control their angry feelings. However, in contrast with previous research, no differences were found between SLT-Users, Smokers and Non-Users on the NEO Extraversion scale. An important and unique finding of the present study was that SLT-Users had significantly lower NEO-FFI Agreeableness and Conscientiousness scores than Smokers and Non-Users.