The Effect of Smoking on Stress, Depression, and
Anxiety among Students: A Study Conducted at
Rajshahi College
Submitted to: Department of Psychology, Rajshahi College
Submitted by: [Your Name], Student ID: [ID], Session: [Year-Year]
Date: October 2025
Abstract
This study investigates the relationship between smoking behavior and psychological
well-being—specifically stress, depression, and anxiety—among students of Rajshahi College in
Northern Bangladesh. The study used both quantitative and qualitative methods to collect data from
200 participants aged 17–25 years. Results showed a strong correlation between smoking
frequency and higher levels of stress, depression, and anxiety. The findings highlight the need for
awareness and mental health support for young smokers.
Chapter 1: Introduction
Smoking remains one of the most concerning public health issues worldwide, particularly among
the youth. In Bangladesh, tobacco consumption is deeply rooted in social and cultural norms, which
often influence students at an early age. Rajshahi College, located in Northern Bangladesh,
provides a significant representation of this issue, as many students are exposed to smoking due to
peer pressure, stress, and societal acceptance. The study aims to explore the psychological
implications of smoking, focusing on stress, depression, and anxiety among students. With growing
academic competition and socio-economic challenges, students often turn to smoking as a coping
mechanism. This chapter introduces the problem, its objectives, research questions, and overall
significance.
Chapter 2: Literature Review
The literature review explores both global and local studies that have investigated the relationship
between smoking and mental health. Researchers such as Parrott (1999) and Leventhal &
Zvolensky (2015) demonstrated that smoking does not relieve stress but sustains it through nicotine
dependency. Similar studies in Bangladesh by Rahman et al. (2018) and Sultana & Akter (2019)
confirmed that student smokers experienced heightened anxiety and depression levels. This review
also discusses theoretical frameworks such as the Self-Medication Hypothesis and Biopsychosocial
Model that explain smoking behavior among students.
Chapter 3: Methodology
The research employed a mixed-method design combining surveys and interviews. A total of 200
students from Rajshahi College participated, aged between 17 and 25 years. The sampling was
random and included both smokers and non-smokers. Quantitative data were gathered using
structured questionnaires assessing smoking frequency and mental health indicators. Qualitative
data were collected through interviews exploring reasons and perceptions behind smoking. Data
were analyzed statistically using SPSS and thematic analysis for qualitative responses.
Chapter 4: Results and Data Analysis
The quantitative results showed that 38% of respondents were current smokers. Among them, 60%
reported smoking due to stress, while 52% believed it helped them concentrate. However, the
statistical analysis revealed that smokers scored significantly higher on depression and anxiety
scales. Interview data indicated that peer pressure, academic stress, and emotional struggles were
major causes of smoking initiation. Many students also admitted that attempts to quit smoking
increased irritability and restlessness.
Chapter 5: Discussion
The findings align with previous research, confirming that smoking does not reduce stress but
rather perpetuates it. Students perceived smoking as a coping mechanism for emotional distress,
but nicotine dependency created a psychological loop of relief and withdrawal. The study also found
gender differences, where male students smoked more frequently, but female students reported
greater emotional consequences. The social environment around Rajshahi College, including
dormitories and tea stalls, also reinforced smoking as a social norm.
Chapter 6: Conclusion and Recommendations
This study concludes that smoking among Rajshahi College students is closely linked with elevated
levels of stress, depression, and anxiety. Smoking fails to serve as an effective coping strategy and
instead worsens emotional instability. The research recommends the introduction of awareness
programs, peer counseling, and campus-based anti-smoking campaigns. Health educators and
college authorities should collaborate to create smoke-free zones and offer psychological support
services to students.
References
- World Health Organization (2022). Global Report on Tobacco and Health. - Parrott, A.C. (1999).
Stress modulation over the day in cigarette smokers. - Rahman, M., et al. (2018). Stress and
Smoking among University Students in Bangladesh. - Leventhal, A. & Zvolensky, M. (2015).
Smoking and Anxiety Disorders. - Luger, T., et al. (2014). Smoking and Depression: A
Meta-Analytic Review. - Sultana, R. & Akter, J. (2019). Smoking Behavior and Mental Health in
Urban Youth.
Appendix
Sample Questionnaire: 1. How often do you smoke in a week? 2. What is your main reason for
smoking? 3. Do you believe smoking helps reduce your stress? 4. Have you experienced
symptoms of anxiety or depression? 5. What challenges do you face when trying to quit smoking?
