Drive for thinness (DT) and fear of fatness (FF) serve as related, but perhaps distinct, factors that may contribute toward eating pathologies. DT refers to an excessive concern with dieting and a desire to become thinner, whereas FF refers to a strong fear of gaining weight or becoming fat. Previous research reports that some individuals believe cigarette smoking aids in controlling eating and thus weight. As such, a recent article evaluated if DT and FF serve as distinct motivations for cigarette smoking among college women. Study participants included consenting college women enrolled in a psychology class at the select institution (n=335). All participants completed validated questionnaires to assess smoking status, DT, FF, as well as the presence of overall eating disorder symptoms and related eating pathologies. Statistical analyses revealed more frequent smokers experienced more severe body dissatisfaction and higher scores related to DT and FF. In addition, further analyses revealed that DT, but not FF, predicted daily smoking status. However, among daily smokers, only FF predicted smoking rate (cigarettes/day).
Take Away: In this study, college women identified as frequent smokers reported higher scores related to DT and FF, followed by infrequent smokers and never smokers reporting the lowest scores. While both DT and FF were associated with smoking status, each factor may result in a different smoking pattern. Findings may help health professionals tailor their prevention and smoking cessation efforts among college females.