A COMPARISON OF THE PSYCHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF SMOKERS, EX-SMOKERS, AND NONSMOKERS

The present investigation was designed to ascertain differences among smokers (n = 51), ex‐smokers (n = 46), and nonsmokers (n = 138) in self‐control and needs for affiliation, order, and endurance. Ex‐smokers were found to have significantly greater self‐control, as well as considerably higher needs for order and endurance, than smokers or nonsmokers, and a markedly greater need for affiliation than smokers. Furthermore, nonsmokers exhibited significantly more self‐control than smokers. It was concluded that ex‐smokers, rather than being intermediate between smokers and nonsmokers, comprised a distinct group on the scales examined. Copyright © 1990 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., A Wiley Company