From traits to puffs: The interplay of personality, pandemic stress, and smoking behaviors

Abstract

Smoking, a leading cause of chronic diseases, is often used to cope with stress, which has been heightened by the pandemic due to health and economic concerns. Studies have shown that the Big Five personality traits are linked to smoking behavior, suggesting that different personality traits influence nicotine use in varying ways. However, there remains a significant gap in understanding how individuals with different personalities respond to nicotine use under stress. This study aims to investigate how nicotine dependence changes for different Big Five personalities under the pandemic stress and whether other stress-related factors influence nicotine dependence during COVID-19. This cross-sectional study collect data from randomly selected adults aged 18−30 in the US. The Big Five Personality Model assessed personality traits, and nicotine dependence was measured with the Hooked-on Nicotine Checklist. Stress was evaluated using the Perceived Stress Scale, while demographics and other pandemic-related stressors were gathered through structured questions. Correlation and multiple logistic regression models were used for data analysis. The main findings showed that both before (r = −.25, p < .001) and during (r = −.19, p < .001) the pandemic, agreeableness was significantly negatively associated with nicotine dependence, indicating that higher agreeableness was linked to lower nicotine dependence. Similarly, conscientiousness was negatively correlated with nicotine dependence both before (r = −.123, p < .001) and during COVID-19 (r = −.19, p < .001). Although no direct association was found between perceived stress, personality traits, and smoking behavior, the analysis identified that external stressors played a moderating role. These findings emphasize the importance of understanding how different personality traits influence young people’s dependence on nicotine under stress. The outcome can guide the design of targeted nicotine withdrawal interventions and inform effective public health strategies.