The effect of differently worded no-smoking signs on smoking behavior.

The effect of positively versus negatively worded no-smoking signs was investigated in an attempt to determine the effectiveness of controlling smoking in a hospital setting. Unobtrusive measurements of smoking behavior were taken in the main lobby before and after the placement of positively and negatively worded no-smoking signs. The results clearly showed that there was less smoking under the experimental sign condition. Positively worded signs appeared to produce better compliance than negatively worded signs.