Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 14, 2026

Creating Dynamic Images of Short-lived Dopamine Fluctuations with lp-ntPET: Dopamine Movies of Cigarette Smoking
Published on: August 6, 2013
Personal fable: optimistic bias in cigarette smokers
Marianna Masiero1, Claudio Lucchiari1, Gabriella Pravettoni1
1Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy ; Applied Research Unit for Cognitive and Psychological Science, European Institute of Oncology, Milan, Italy.
Smokers exhibit optimistic bias, underestimating health risks and overestimating preventive behaviors. This cognitive bias reinforces smoking habits, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to improve cessation rates.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Behavioral Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Smokers often exhibit distorted risk perception due to optimistic bias.
- This bias involves unrealistic beliefs about behavior outcomes, leading to health-damaging lifestyles.
- Individuals may underestimate risks and overestimate immediate positive effects of their actions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the link between optimistic bias and smoking behaviors.
- Hypothesized that smokers develop optimistic illusions supporting unhealthy habits.
- Examined if former smokers develop beliefs centered on personal responsibility.
Main Methods:
- Surveyed 633 participants (smokers, ex-smokers, non-smokers).
- Utilized Fagerström test, motivational questionnaire, and Likert scales for health beliefs.
- Analyzed data to assess optimistic bias and its relation to smoking.
Main Results:
- Confirmed optimistic bias in smokers' comparative judgments.
- Smokers tended to overestimate the effectiveness of their own preventive actions.
- Evidence suggests a cognitive pattern reinforcing smoking behavior.
Conclusions:
- Cognitive biases in risk perception negatively impact health behaviors.
- Optimistic bias can reinforce cigarette smoking, hindering cessation efforts.
- Further research is needed to develop strategies overcoming this bias for improved quitting rates.
More Related Videos
06:39Electroencephalographic, Heart Rate, and Galvanic Skin Response Assessment for an Advertising Perception Study: Application to Antismoking Public Service Announcements
Published on: August 28, 2017
06:07Cigarette Smoke Exposure in Mice using a Whole-Body Inhalation System
Published on: October 22, 2020
Related Concept Videos
Unrealistic Optimism Bias
Motivational Bias
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques II
Type A Personality: Driven and Easily Stressed
Individuals with Type A personalities are often highly competitive and ambitious and operate with a strong sense of urgency. Commonly labeled as...
Bias in Epidemiological Studies
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques IV
Hindsight Biases