Stuttering and Smoking Frequency: A Longitudinal Analysis of Adolescence and Young Adults

Abstract

Purpose: Previous research exploring the association between stuttering and cigarette smoking has been confounded by failure to control for confounding factors, improper empirical specification and inadequate data. Due to these and other limitations, previous studies have found no association between stuttering and smoking. This study examines the relationship using a longitudinal sample of adolescents and young adults controlling for previous smoking, alcohol consumption and mood disorders. Methods: Regression analyses utilizes the Longitudinal Survey of Adolescent to Adult Health—a panel study following a cohort of 12 to 17-year-olds into adulthood with four repeated interviews—to assess the relationship between adult smoking frequency and stuttering controlling for age, demographic and parental characteristics, depression, anxiety and adolescent smoking and alcohol consumption. Results: Stuttering is highly predictive of adult smoking frequency, even after controlling for alcohol use, early-life smoking habits and mood disorders. The high correlation between smoking and age consumption suggest that patterns smoking begin in adolescence and continue into adulthood. Conclusion: Findings indicate that, all else held constant, individuals who stutter smoke more frequently than their fluent counterparts. Stress relief, social inclusivity or belongingness could induce individuals who stuttering to use smoking as a form of social capital or to facilitate inclusivity.