INTRODUCTION: The study of the relationship between personality and smoking behavior can be useful in the treatment of tobacco dependence. OBJECTIVES: To identify personality traits in smokers, ex-smokers and non-smokers. METHODS: A total of 1,245 students enrolled at Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso were selected. A standard questionnaire was applied aiming at identifying sociodemographic characteristics and tobacco consumption patterns in the students, followed by the revised version of the Comrey Personality Scales (CPS). ANOVA analysis of variance was used to compare the mean scores obtained in smokers, ex-smokers and non-smokers, and two multiple logistic regression analyses were used to determine the associations between CPS results and smoking behavior. RESULTS: A prevalence of 6.67% of smokers, 6.58% of ex-smokers and 86.73% of non-smokers was found. The first logistic regression analysis revealed a positive association between the smoker category and the scores obtained in the masculinity x femininity (M) and response bias (R) scales, as well as a negative association with the order x lack of compulsion (O) scale. The second analysis detected a negative association between the ex-smoker category and the R and M scales, as well as a positive association with the activity x lack of energy (A) scale. DISCUSSION: Smokers presented biased responses and tended to adopt the social stereotype of masculinity more often than non-smokers and ex-smokers. Smokers described themselves as more careless, negligent, imprudent, non-systematic and unorganized as compared to non-smokers. Ex-smokers showed more energy and disposition when compared to smokers. The present data are assumed to be useful to programs aimed at treating tobacco dependence.
Personality; smoking; college students
