Stopping smoking does not lead to an increase in stress, a recent survey has revealed. The study, undertaken by researchers at the University of Wisconsin in America examined the psychological state of the participants at various stages as and after they quit smoking. Contrary to the assumptions by the majority of the participants that stopping smoking would lead them to worry more and have a ‘reduced quality of life’, the results showed that the 1500 participants experienced positive psychological effects in the long-term.

The study, which included both male and female participants, completed a psychological assessment upon quitting smoking, followed up by further tests one and three years after they had stopped smoking. The assessment covered a number of quality of life measures including health, self-regard, work, recreation, learning, friendships, relationships with family, home and community.

Compared to the participants who continued to smoke, those who had quit smoking reported a much more positive outlook in terms of the quality of life factors being measured, and also reported feeling less stressed by the third year. 

The authors of the study commented: 'Smokers might believe that quitting will decrease life satisfaction or quality of life - because they believe it disrupts routines, interferes with relationships, leads to a loss of smoking-related pleasure, or because cessation deprives them of a coping strategy.

'Our findings suggest that, over the long-term, individuals will be happier and more satisfied with their lives if they stop smoking than if they do not.'