Comparison of the Personality Dimensions in Male Cigarette Smokers and non-smokers

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare temperament and character dimensions according to the Cloninger’s seven-factor model of personality in cigarette smokers and non-smokers. The research was causal-comparative and statistical population consisted of male college students of Tehran University, from which two-hundred persons were selected purpose. The research tools were Nicotine Dependence Syndrome Scale (NDSS; Shiffman et al, 2004) and the short form of Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI-56)(1994). The data were analyzed using Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and logistic regression by means of version 22 of SPSS. The results showed the significant difference between two groups in only two factors of temperament and character of subjects: Novelty-Seeking (NS) and Self-Directedness (SD) (p<0/001). In other words, non-smokers earned more scores in novelty-seeking and smokers earned more scores in directedness. Further studies are required to confirm these results on larger sample including both genders.

Keywords

• cigarette smoking
• cloninger’s seven-factor model
• novelty-seeking
• self-directedness