Personality and smoking behavior of non-smokers previous smokers, and habitual smokers

People continue to smoke despite the fact of widely known health risks associated with this behavior. This study evaluated the differences across personality factors and smoking behaviors between smokers and previous smokers as well as a non-smoking comparison sample. Data analysis indicated a significant difference in personality characteristics of smokers and non-smokers in the facets of Openness to Experience and Conscientiousness. Smokers were found to have significantly higher qualities of Openness to Experience and significantly lower levels of Conscientiousness. No significant differences in smoking status were found regarding the onset of smoking or the presence of family members who smoke.