Depression proneness in treatment-seeking smokers: a taxometric analysis

Using taxometric procedures, we examined latent distribution of depression proneness and the construct validity of the Depression Proneness Inventory (DPI) within a group of 439 non-depressed smokers participating in a smoking cessation trial. Three taxometric procedures MAMBAC, MAXEIG, and L-MODE, supported the presence of a distinct subgroup of depression prone smokers. A set of indicators including cognitive vulnerabilities, self-reported tendencies to feel inadequate and experience depressive symptoms, as well as recent experiences of depressive symptoms prior to anticipated cessation treatment behaved taxonically suggesting a shared relationship with an underlying taxonic causal factor. The DPI was found to be an efficient index of taxon membership and a strong predictor of depression history. The DPI identifies a subgroup of smokers seeking cessation treatment that carry affective risk factors known to impede successful smoking cessation and might benefit from interventions targeting depression and negative mood.