Regarding self-reported affective symptoms, we found that never-quitters experienced a significantly higher level of negative affect, as measured by PANAS negative subscale, than control participants; and a significantly lower level of positive affect, as measured by PANAS positive subscale, than abstainers across the postcessation period. These findings were consistent with our contention that never-quitters experienced nonclinical depressive symptomatology, which might explain their diminished sensitivity to both appetitive and defensive stimuli.
