Personality traits of smokeless tobacco users and nonusers: a comparison

This study investigated the personality characteristics of male university students who were either users or nonusers of smokeless tobacco. The hypotheses attempted to determine any differences in personality characteristics between users and nonusers of smokeless tobacco, and examine differences in personality characteristics according to the amount of smokeless tobacco used. A university sample of 289 males revealed 19% (55) prevalence of smokeless tobacco users. Each subject was administered Cattell's Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire and a demographic questionnaire. An analysis of variance revealed that smokeless tobacco users exhibited significant differences (p less than .01) in both personality characteristic A (more reserved, less outgoing socially) and personality characteristic I (self-reliant, less sentimental), and significant difference (p less than .05) in personality characteristic Q2 (more conforming, group dependent). No significant differences were noted in personality among persons who used varying amounts of smokeless tobacco.