RESEARCH_FILE
Andrew C. Parrott
Swansea University
Known for:Research on the paradox of smoking and stress — showing that smokers' baseline anxiety is higher than non-smokers', and the apparent stress relief from a cigarette is largely reversal of nicotine-withdrawal anxiety
Key findings
- 1999
Regular smokers report higher baseline anxiety than non-smokers. The apparent stress relief from smoking is primarily the reversal of inter-cigarette withdrawal anxiety — not a net anxiolytic effect. The belief that 'smoking relieves my stress' is a narrative generated by the addiction cycle, not an accurate pharmacological account. Does cigarette smoking cause stress? ↗
Research areas
Related old scripts
I Can't Cope Without It: when one cigarette starts to feel necessaryI’ll Quit When Things Calm Down: why the “later” rule keeps smoking in placeThis Is My Last One: Why the “last cigarette” keeps happeningPlaying Not to Get Hurt Instead of to Win: The Cautious-Athlete TrapWhen Your Relationship Feels Like the Safer, Quieter Version