Personality trait and associate factors among smokers: systematic review and meta-analysis

ABSTRACT

Objective

Some studies have shown that personality affects the outcome of smoking cessation. The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature, examine the personality trait and the associated factors of smokers.

Method

A systematic search of all English-language medical literature published from inception till 1st September 2019 was performed using PubMed and Science Direct. MESH headings: “smokers,” “personality trait,” “personality” and “smoking withdrawal” were used. Studies were selected using prior defined criteria. All abstracted information was tabulated. Heterogeneity, publication bias, odds ratio and effect size were assessed thoroughly.

Results

Based on both Midlife Development Inventory (MIDI) Big Five and Neo-Five Factor Inventory (Neo-FFI), nonsmokers score was significantly higher than smokers in conscientiousness. For Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI), the only significant finding in our meta-analysis was smokers significantly scored higher than nonsmokers in novelty seeking. For Zuckerman Sensation Seeking Scale (ZSS-V), smokers scored significantly higher than nonsmokers in experience seeking, thrill and adventure seeking and disinhibited behavior. For behavioral inhibition system (BIS), motor impulsivity and the total impulsivity scores are correlated to nicotine dependence and current smokers, respectively.

Conclusion

Initiation and maintenance of smoking are influenced by different personality factors. However, some personality trait is protective against smoking.

KEYWORDS:

• Personality trait
• smoking cessation
• cigarette smoking
• associated factors
• smokers

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Institut Pengurusan dan Pemantauan Penyelidikan, Universiti Malaya [GC004B-15HTM].