Work-Related Consequences Of Smoking Cessation

Abstract

This study assessed the effects of smoking cessation on mood, job perceptions and attitudes, work absenteeism, and self-appraised health, eating habits, and weight. Four-hundred and twenty-two blue- and white-collar employees completed a questionnaire twice and were categorized into four groups in terms of their smoking behavior: those who had never smoked, smokers, exsmokers at the time the study began, and individuals who stopped smoking during the study. Compared to other respondents, recent exsmokers reported higher depression, anxiety, and negative affect; lower quality of life and job satisfaction; more job-related tension; and increased short-term absence. These findings suggest that work perceptions may be subject to influences, both on and off the job, that can alter the affective state of an individual. In addition, smoking cessation resulted in poorer eating habits, increase in weight, and lower appraisals of health.