PTSD symptoms predict smoking outcomes following a computerized treatment for high trait anger

Research has linked trait anger to smoking and difficulties with cessation, leading to recent anger-focused interventions to facilitate smoking cessation. One factor relevant to both anger and difficulties with cessation is elevated symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The present study sought to examine whether PTSD symptoms would predict smoking frequency and carbon monoxide levels in a computerized treatment for anger.

Trauma-exposed participants (N = 76; M_age = 37.9; 55.3% women) were examined to determine if PTSD symptoms at baseline predicted increased smoking at posttreatment and follow-up via structural equation modeling.

PTSD symptoms predicted increased self-reported smoking and greater carbon monoxide levels at posttreatment, but not follow-up. Further, these relationships were independent of trait anger.

Among trauma exposed individuals with high trait anger, greater PTSD symptoms at baseline predicted greater smoking at posttreatment, suggesting that anger alone may not be sufficient target to reduce smoking behaviors. The present study highlights the need to examine and address PTSD symptoms to impact smoking outcomes.