RJ Reynolds
Strategic Research Report. Analysis of Smoker and Nonsmoker Differences.
Fields
- Attachment
- 7501 -7515
- Type
- MARKETING DOC
- Site
- Marketing
- Brand Management
- Sterling at
- Brand Mgr
- Brand Management
- Request
- Minnesota
- 1rfp93
- Moore
- 1rfp2
- 1rfp93
- Referenced Document
- Simmons Study. Less Educated Smoker Study. Younger Adult Smoker Analysis. Marketing Influences Presentation.
- Date Loaded
- 07 Jan 1999
- Named Person
- Philip Morris
- Rjr
- Volvo
- Bmw
- Heath, C.W.
- Coan, R.W.
- Army
- Gonzalez, C.A.
- Yankelovich
- Simmons
- Rjr
- Box
- Rjr2618
- Author
- Nordine, R.C.
- Rjr
- Brand
- Benson & Hedges
- Kent
- Marlboro
- Merit
- Virginia Slims
- Kent
- UCSF Legacy ID
- qjr25d00
Document Images
their..cou.nterparts, smokers have more lit2eral sex attitudes, believe-the
individua.l should decide what is right and wrong, tend to ignore experts/
authorities, prefer spontaneity vs. order, etc. Virtually every difference
that describes younger adults (vs. older) also describes smokers (vs.
nonsmokers). These differences are listed below:
SMOKER-NONSMOKER DIFFERENCES
SMOKERS TEND TO RETAIN MORE OF A YOUNGER ADULT
OUTLOOK THROLGHDLT LIFE.
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The degree to which smokers are different from nonsmokers is nearly as large
ab L ULLLa~wcc.aa .~t.IIC ., df FF...-......GLGIl~.G..O n l.e Vcr..,nnn 1 Q-7G y ear Mld -nnQlmere
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and they differ along the same values. In other words, smokers are likely to
retain the temperament of younger adults throughout their lives.
..10-
.w., .1 .. .. .~ . ...w.,..w.,..~ - ~w .*sw~.~ow+r.

This does not mean that the basic behavior of older smokers is the same as
younger adults. It does mean, however, that their underlying attitudes and
motivations are more compatible with the younger adult mind-set. They see
life as an individual struggle, they choose for themselves, they resist
traditional structures and constraints on their lives and possess more energy
and enthusiasm in pursuing their interests.
SUMMARY
This report has described the key differences between smokers and nonsmokers.
These differences transcend demographic factors and endure over time. They
represent underlying mind-sets and lifestyles of smokers. In short, there
seem to be large and meaningful differences in the attitudes, values, and
lifestyaes of these two groups.
Smokers of all ages are more independent, adventuresome, and searching for
goals and stimulation than are nonsmokers. They are less likely to accept
traditional norms of behavior and experience more stress and anxiety in their
lives. They are more active, less predictable and more energetic. Perhaps
they retain the younger adult mind-set of wanting to avoid the rut, living for
today instead of tomorrow, and being on the edge.
Nonsmokers by contrast seem older, even when they are younger adults. They
lead very predictable, deliberate lives favoring control, order, and simpli-
city. They experience far less stress and tension. Progress toward their
goals is very systematic and they lead rather quiet and progressive lives
which cre in-sync with accepted standards.

Many differences between smokers and nonsmokers can be understood in light of
their mind-sets. The common link between smoking and divorce, for example, is
the lifestyle of the individual -- it is the "cause" for both. Smoking and
stress share the same common cause. All of these activities and factors are
associated with smoking but are not direct causes. They are separate
reflectiuns of an energetic, non-conforming lifestyle.
CONCLUSIUNS/IMPLICATIONS
This ana:lysis has indicated that there are many differences between smokers
and nonsmokers, many of which can be traced to the type of person who is
likely to smoke. Obviously, there are many similarities between smokers
and
nonsmokers as well. All people have strong needs for security, belonging,
self-esteem, etc. Yet, when considered in total, smokers and nonsmokers do
seem to be different in substantial ways.
It seems likely that smokers and nonsmokers are receptive to different types
of advertising appeals. For example, there is evidence that smokers perceive
life as more of a struggle and that Philip Morris addresses this in some of
their brands:
Marlboro -- Man versus nature
Merit -- Man against the sea
Virginia Slims -- Woman in a man's world
On the other hand, it would seem that advertising for B&H and Kent, for
example,, would be more pertinent to the values of nonsmokers. However, more
- 1 2 -

specifir. learning is needed to fully address smoker wants with certainty, and
more research should be done.
A stronger focus on smoker stereotypes is consistent with RJR's priorities.
First, the focus on volume goals centers on attracting heavy users, and heavy
users exhibit smoker characteristics to the greatest degree. Second, smoker
stereotypes are also typical of younger adult smokers which addresses a long
term RJR strategic priority.
There a:re many positive qualities of younger adults that smokers seem to
retain i:hroughout life -- being independent, open-minded, adventurous,
spontaneous, individualistic, etc. These characteristics express themselves
differeZtly among older smokers, however their basic temperament and mind-set
is similar to that of younger adults. Thus older smokers may choose to not
conform to different authorities than do younger adult smokers but they share
the same rebellious nature. In light of all of the negative publicity
directed toward smoking and smokers, it is important that RJR keep the
positive qualities of our customers in mind -- qualities that distinguish
smokers from nonsmokers.
Finally, as social unacceptability of smoking grows and smoking incidence
declines, the smoking stereotype will become increasingly characteristic of
smokerf,. In this sense, the smoker mind-set will represent a growth sector
the cigarette market and increasingly a source of new opportunities.
of
