DIFFERENCES IN DECISION MAKING OF ADULT SMOKERS AND NONSMOKERS IN RISKY SITUATIONS

Written by Roxana M. RISTACHE, Violeta S. ROTĂRESCU on 03 January 2016. Posted in Volume XIX, Nr 4

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to investigate the effects of smoking on the decision making process of individuals at risk through Kahneman’s theory of estimated chances. In addition, a difference between smokers and nonsmokers on two dimensions of personality (i.e., novelty seeking and avoiding displeasure) was investigated. One hundred and seventeen adults aged between 20 and 60 years participated in the research. The sample was divided into two independent groups: smokers (n=55) and nonsmokers (n=62). Statistical analyses confirmed a significant association between smoking habits and attitudes towards risk, suggesting that smokers sought more risk, whereas nonsmokers exhibited higher risk aversion. There was also a significant difference between smokers and nonsmokers in terms of novelty seeking, as smokers were more attracted by novelty. The results have also confirmed predicted differences between smokers and nonsmokers in terms of avoiding displeasure. The present study is the first to apply the estimated chances theory on smokers and nonsmokers, following differences among them.

KEYWORDS: search for novelty, decision, avoiding displeasure, smoking, uncertainty, risk.

PAGES: 313-325