Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 18, 2026

A Conflict Model of Reward-seeking Behavior in Male Rats
Published on: February 20, 2019
College student smokers' cognitive appraisal of high-risk activities
Amy L Copeland1, Magdalena Kulesza, Scott M Patterson
1Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA. copelan@lsu.edu
Objective:
Students who smoke are more likely to engage in risky behaviors such as binge drinking and unprotected sex (Schnieder and Morris, Environ Behav. 1999; 23:575-591). The goals of the present study were to determine whether smokers assess these behaviors as lower risk than nonsmokers, and if smoking rate influences risk perceptions.
Methods:
Participants were 303 college students. Cognitive Appraisal of Risky Activities (Fromme et al., Cognit Ther Res. 1997; 21:421-442) and smoking were assessed August-November, 2006.
Results:
Smokers reported significantly less risk, more benefit, and more involvement in risky behaviors than nonsmokers (p < .01). In hierarchical linear regression, risk perceptions moderated the association between smoking and (a) expected benefit from risky sexual behaviors (beta = -1.121, p < .05); and (b) expected involvement with illicit drugs (beta = -.313, p < .01).
Conclusions:
College smokers' assessment of high-risk behaviors influenced their intended involvement. Risk perception change may therefore alter their involvement in high-risk behaviors.
Related Concept Videos
Self-Presentation: Self-Monitoring and Self-Handicapping
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques IV
Cognitive Dissonance
Lazarus's Cognitive Appraisal Theory
Primary Appraisal:...
Stimulants
Cocaine can be administered via snorting, injection, or smoking. It primarily functions by blocking the reuptake of dopamine, resulting in a euphoric high characterized by an intense sensation of happiness and...
Social Loafing