Journal of Social Science and Human Research Studies (JSSHRS) · Research article · Open access

Experiential Avoidance and Meta- Emotions in Smokers and Non- Smokers: A Comparative Study

Seema Rani Sarraf, Abhijeet Pal

27 July 2026 · Vol. 2, Issue 7, pp. 1357-1362

DOI: 10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E7/2026-40

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Abstract

Background: Experiential avoidance is the tendency to avoid unpleasant thoughts and emotions, while meta- emotions are feelings about one’s own emotions. Smoking may serve as a coping mechanism for managing emotional distress. Objective: This study examined the main and interaction effects of smoking and non- smoking behaviour and sex on experiential avoidance and meta- emotions. Methods: Using a cross- sectional comparative design, data were collected from 120 university students aged 18-25 with equal representation of smoking and non- smoking behaviour and balanced sex distribution. Analysis was carried out on 108 participants after data cleaning. Standardized tools, including Brief experiential avoidance questionnaire (BEAQ) and meta- emotion scale (MES) were administered and data was analysed using descriptive statistics and two- way ANOVA. Results: Results showed that smokers had significantly higher experiential avoidance than non- smokers, with no significant effects of sex or interaction. Non- smokers reported higher negative meta- emotions, including greater emotional awareness, while no sex or interaction effects emerged for this variable. For, positive meta- emotions, females scored higher than males, suggesting greater awareness and compassion, whereas smoking status had no significant effect. Conclusions: These findings identify experiential avoidance as a key factor differentiating smokers from non- smokers, supporting its link with avoidance- based coping and substance use. Low score on negative meta- emotions in smokers may reflect emotional suppression rather than healthier functioning, while sex difference was evident only in positive meta- emotions. The results highlight the need to address experiential avoidance and emotion regulation- particularly emotional suppression- through targeted and gender sensitive smoking cessation interventions

Keywords: Experiential Avoidance, Meta-emotions, Smoking Behaviour, Gender Differences, Young Adults

Seema Rani Sarraf, & Abhijeet Pal (2026). Experiential Avoidance and Meta- Emotions in Smokers and Non- Smokers: A Comparative Study. Journal of Social Science and Human Research Studies, 2(7), 1357-1362. https://doi.org/10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E7/2026-40

@article{Seema2026,
  title   = {Experiential Avoidance and Meta- Emotions in Smokers and Non- Smokers: A Comparative Study},
  author  = {Seema Rani Sarraf and Abhijeet Pal},
  journal = {Journal of Social Science and Human Research Studies},
  year    = {2026},
  volume  = {2},
  number  = {7},
  pages   = {1357-1362},
  doi     = {10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E7/2026-40},
  url     = {https://doi.org/10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E7/2026-40}
}

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