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Psychosocial and personality differences in chippers and regular smokers
J D Kassel1, S Shiffman, M Gnys
1Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, PA 15260.
Addictive Behaviors
|September 1, 1994
Summary
Tobacco chippers, nondependent smokers, exhibit higher sensation seeking than nonsmokers. Regular smokers show less self-control, but personality differences don't fully explain chipper resistance to nicotine dependence.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Addiction Science
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Tobacco chippers are individuals who smoke regularly but do not develop nicotine dependence.
- Understanding the factors contributing to nondependent smoking is crucial for addiction research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate personality and psychosocial differences between regular smokers, chippers, and nonsmokers.
- To identify variables associated with resistance to nicotine dependence.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study design involving matched groups of regular smokers, chippers, and nonsmokers.
- Assessment of personality traits (e.g., sensation seeking, self-control) and psychosocial variables (e.g., stress, coping, social support).
Main Results:
- Sensation seeking significantly differentiated the groups, with nonsmokers scoring lower than both smokers and chippers.
- Regular smokers exhibited lower self-control and higher impulsivity compared to chippers and nonsmokers.
- No significant differences were found in perceived stress, coping mechanisms, or social support across the groups.
Conclusions:
- Sensation seeking and self-control are key personality factors distinguishing nondependent smokers (chippers) from regular smokers and nonsmokers.
- While personality traits play a role, they do not entirely explain the resistance to nicotine dependence observed in chippers.
- Further research is needed to explore other potential factors contributing to chipper behavior.