Differences in awareness and perceptions of smokers' behaviors

Information regarding smokers' (n = 74), never-smokers' (n = 56), and former smokers' (n = 13) relative awareness of and reaction to a sample of 17 negative behaviors of smokers was elicited and examined. Over-all ratings of irritation and of awareness were also analyzed for the 143 participants solicited in shopping malls in Lexington, KY. Former smokers were significantly, both statistically and practically, more aware and less tolerant of smokers' negative behaviors than either never-smokers or smokers, while never-smokers were more aware and bothered than were smokers, in all but one instance where all three groups responded similarly.