Chronic Smoking and Emotionality¹

Abstract

Self‐report data were gathered on the chronic emotionality of smokers and nonsmokers in a number of samples. The results were discussed relative to the literature on sociopathy and recent studies that found smokers to be more emotional than nonsmokers. It was argued that an S's own emotional feelings must be distinguished from the behavioral observations of others, and that the smoking habit might well lead to a generally lowered level of felt emotionality.

Smoker reactions to a “radio message” that Light cigarettes are as dangerous as Regular cigarettes

“…Some smokers may have been reluctant to criticize the message to the interviewer, but there is indirect evidence that they were impressed by the message. It should also be noted that smokers have been found to be more inclined to be frank than non-smokers (Nesbitt, 1972). Possibly as a face-saving strategy, smokers who heard the message were less likely to say that they smoked Lights to reduce tar and nicotine intake and more likely to say that they were taking a step toward quitting by smoking Lights.…”

Theories on Drug Abuse: Selected Contemporary Perspectives.

“…This internal stimulation, it seems, makes the drug user less aware of the external stimuli which create tension. Cigarette smokers have been shown to be more tense than nonsmokers but to experience a reduction in tension from smoking that nonsmokers do not report (Nesbitt 1972). In this paradoxical way, a stimulant can create an analgesic effect for certain individuals.…”