Motivational, emotional, and personality characteristics of smokeless tobacco users compared with cigarette smokers

Abstract

Consistent evidence from a large number of studies suggests that personality, motivation, and emotional factors contribute to the initiation and continued use of tobacco products. This study compared the reasons why male smokers (N = 267) and smokeless tobacco (SLT) users (N = 271) begin and continue to use tobacco products. The study participants completed the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ), and Spielberger State–Trait Personality Inventory (STPI) and Anger EXpression (AX) Scale. They also responded to questionnaires designed to evaluate the initiation, maintenance, and motivation to use tobacco. Both SLT-users and smokers reported novelty and enjoyment as the primary reasons for beginning to use tobacco products. Enjoyment, stimulation and management of emotions were ranked by both groups as the most important reasons for continuing to use tobacco. Significant correlations of the EPQ, STPI, and AX scales with measures of the initiation, maintenance and motivation to use tobacco support Eysenck Diathesis Stress Model in explaining the persistent use of tobacco products.