This book presents a counter-view, based on a survey of several thousand young persons and adults, probing attitudes, beliefs, feelings, and perceptions of risk associated with smoking. The authors agree that young smokers give little or no thought to health risks or the problems of addiction. The survey data contradicts the model of informed, rational choice and underscores the need for aggressive policies to counter tobacco firms' marketing and promotional efforts and to restrict youth access to tobacco.

About the ContributorsPART ONE: INTRODUCTION1. The Risks of Active and Passive Smoking - J Samet2. Profile of Smokers and Smoking - P Jamieson and D RomerPART TWO: PERCEPTIONS OF RISKY ADOLESCENTS AND ADULTS3. What Do Young People Think They Know About the Risks of Smoking? - P Jamieson and D Romer4. The Role of Perceived Risk in Starting and Stopping Smoking - D Romer and P Jamieson5. Smokers¿ Recognition of Their Vulnerability to Harm - P Slovic 6. Cigarette Smokers: Rational Actors or Rational Fools? - P SlovicPART THREE: MEDIA INFLUENCE ON SMOKING7. Advertising, Smoker Imagery, and the Diffusion of Smoking Behavior - D Romer and P JamiesonPART FOUR: ADDICTION8. The Nature of Nicotine Addiction - N Benowitz9. A Visceral Account of Addiction - G Loewenstein10. The Catch 22 of Smoking and Quitting - D Romer, P Jamieson, and R Kirkland AhernPART FIVE: LEGAL AND POLICY PERSPECTIVES11. The Joint Failure of Economic Theory and Legal Regulation - J Hanson and D Kysar12. Tobacco and Public Health Policy: A Youth-Centered Approach - R BonnieAppendix AAppendix BAppendix CReferencesIndex