The Effect of Smoking on Risk Taking in Decision Making

Abstract

In contemporary times, smoking is a very prevalent behaviour and has been studied alongside a variety of variables on the dimensions of health and well-being and has been found to be associated with cognitive processes as well. With this reference, the present study aims to understand the difference between smokers and non-smokers inclination to risk-taking in decision making. Suitable objectives and hypothesis are formed accordingly. The sample (N= 56) consisted of college students and employees from around India. Data was collected through Iowa Gambling Task, DOSPERT scale and General Decision-Making Style Scale and analyzed using MANOVA and t-test. The findings suggest that smoking affects risk-taking and in turn decision making. Further, the findings suggest that the smokers take higher risk in decision making and smoker and non-smoker have different decision-making style. Difference in some aspects of risk taking and decision-making style was also found between males and females. However, no difference was indicated from the results on the basis of occupational status. Limitation and further suggestion have been discussed as well.