14 DAY TRIAL // That women are more prone to developing lung cancer, even if they smoke the same, or even less, than men has already been established. However, it seems that their relationship with cigarettes is even more “special” than that, as it is laden with emotions – which is why they have a much harder time trying to kick the habit, psychologists say for NPR.
Recent research has shown that avoiding relapse is actually the key to successfully quitting smoking, and this holds true especially for women who are both more prone to emotional upset and to picking up a cigarette when the former occurs. Specific figures indicate that, of all the women who decide to kick the habit, even with nicotine replacement therapy, an overwhelming percentage of ¾ are back to smoking in just a week.
The reason, psychologists in addictive behaviors say, is that women generally have a more emotional relationship with cigarettes than men do. Therefore, chances are big that, when they are upset, they relapse, and thus never manage to break the bad habit. Smoking for women is a “more complicated addiction” than it was initially believed, since they tend to associate it with other powerful emotions, which basically leaves them unable to resist temptation when cravings do eventually appear.
“Women often report smoking is helpful in reducing negative mood, even enhancing positive mood, managing the stress of daily life and also managing appetite and weight gain. Women are looking to cigarettes to help them with those different situations, and as a consequence, it’s often more difficult for women [than for men] to give up their cigarettes.” Carolyn Mazure, a professor of psychology at the Yale School of Medicine, explains for NPR.
Moreover, women are more likely to succumb to depression and negative moods than men are, which, in turn, might push them to turn to cigarettes for comfort. “[Women are more] vulnerable to the negative effects of stress and are more likely to relapse back to smoking in the face of stressors. Women also believe that smoking will help them control their weight.” Mazure further says.