Addiction, decision-making, and policy design: experimental studies on cigarette packaging

Abstract

Tobacco consumption is one of the leading causes of preventable morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite regulatory efforts and public health campaigns, cigarettes remain widely consumed, posing a significant challenge for policymakers. In this context, my doctoral thesis focuses on studying the effects of tobacco control policies and consumer decision-making, with a specific emphasis on cigarette packaging as the experimental object. The three articles are interconnected and demonstrate a progression in the sophistication of analyzed elements, ranging from the impact of plain packaging to the psychological mechanisms influencing smokers' choices. Together, these articles provide empirical evidence and novel perspectives for designing effective public policies.