Attitudes and Beliefs.html

Attitudes and Beliefs

Myers (2008) defines an attitude as "an efficient way to size up the world. When we respond quickly to something, the way we feel about it can guide how we react." Why is it then that we do not react to incidents or situations based purely on our attitude? Why does there seem to be a buffer between an individual’s attitudes and actions?

One of the best examples demonstrating a disconnect between attitudes, beliefs, and actual behavior is smoking. Although there are reasons or at least a rationale why people smoke, the question is, what is their true attitude regarding smoking? Is it that, even after knowing that smoking is unhealthy, people do not consider it to be as risky as serious and chronic diseases? Or is it that individuals consider smoking a pleasurable experience that reduces stress, helps them lose weight, or is a social norm?

Young and Borland (2008) conducted a study to analyze why individuals are unsuccessful in quitting smoking. The researchers used information from the International Tobacco Control Four Country Survey (ITC-4)—a random survey of adult smokers (8,000 participants), 18 years or older, in four countries (the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia). Follow-up contacts were made on an average of seven months over several years. The study used the information regarding the individuals’ attempts to quit smoking to understand their behaviors and functional beliefs regarding quitting, such as stress management, weight control, life enhancement, and social enhancement. The study concluded that individuals are successful in quitting smoking only if they change their attitudes and social or psychological beliefs regarding smoking.

Myers, D. (2008). Social psychology (9th ed.). Boston: McGraw-Hill.

Young, H., & Borland, R. (2008). Functional beliefs about smoking and quitting activity among adult smokers in four countries. Findings from the International Tobacco Control Four-Country Survey. Health Psychology, 27(3S), 216–223.