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Accuracy of smokers' risk perceptions

N D Weinstein1

  • 1Rutgers, State University of New Jersey, USA.

Annals of Behavioral Medicine : a Publication of the Society of Behavioral Medicine
|February 16, 1999
PubMed
Summary

Smokers acknowledge smoking risks but underestimate their severity and personal relevance. Risk perception accuracy varies by how it is measured and the specific health outcome considered.

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Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Behavioral Science
  • Risk Perception Research

Background:

  • Disagreements exist regarding smokers' understanding of smoking-related health risks.
  • Previous research on smokers' risk perceptions has yielded varied conclusions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review and categorize studies on smokers' risk perceptions.
  • To analyze how different assessment methods influence the perceived accuracy of risk estimates.

Main Methods:

  • A comprehensive literature review was conducted.
  • Studies were categorized based on the type of risk judgment assessed.
  • Analysis focused on numerical risk estimates and qualitative risk acknowledgments.

Main Results:

  • Perceived risk underestimation or overestimation is dependent on the assessment method used.
  • Smokers acknowledge increased health risks but perceive them as less severe and certain than non-smokers.
  • Smokers minimize personal relevance, believing they are less susceptible to addiction and health effects.

Conclusions:

  • No universal conclusion on the accuracy of smokers' numerical risk estimates is possible.
  • Smokers consistently acknowledge risks but minimize their personal impact.
  • Further research is needed to understand the nuances of risk perception in smokers.

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