Fear appeals have long been one tool in the communication discipline's strategy to inform the pub... more Fear appeals have long been one tool in the communication discipline's strategy to inform the public about health behaviors and conditions. More specifically, one fear appeal framework, the Extended Parallel Process Model (EPPM), has received the lion's share of scholarly attention in the past few decades. However, this project posits that by increasing the public's perception of a health behavior's threat and efficacy (the two prominent components of the EPPM), that secondary audiences (those who do not participate in the specific health behavior) may create or maintain stigma and other negative attitudes toward primary audiences (those who do engage in the particular behavior). This research explores the relationships between threat, efficacy, stigma, perceived responsibility for one's behavior and health outcomes, and discrimination via messages on two similar topics: smoking and vaping (using electronic cigarettes).
The purpose of this study is to examine psychological reactance in response to graphic cigarette ... more The purpose of this study is to examine psychological reactance in response to graphic cigarette warning labels and to strengthen and expand on the current literature by using validated measures. Young adults (N = 435) were randomly assigned to a cigarette package featuring a graphic image or a package featuring no image. Utilizing both structural equation modeling and multivariate analyses, the results indicate that graphic warning labels are associated with freedom threat perceptions directly and reactance indirectly. In addition, exposure to graphic cigarette warning labels resulted in higher freedom threat perceptions, negative cognitions, and source domineeringness. Our results are considered with an emphasis on the theoretical and practical implications for policy makers.
've got mail! An examination of a statewide direct-mail marketing campaign to promote deceased or... more 've got mail! An examination of a statewide direct-mail marketing campaign to promote deceased organ donor registrations. Abstract: Background: This study extends previous direct-mail campaigns by evaluating the effectiveness of a marketing campaign promoting organ donation message strategies from the vantage point of organ donors, organ recipients, individuals on the waiting list, or a combination of these three frames. Methods: Illinois residents were randomly assigned to one of four organ donation brochures disseminated via U.S. postal mail. Registrations occurred via the Internet and U.S. postal mail. Results: Individuals register at a greater rate following exposure to the combination framed message compared to organ donor, organ recipient, and waiting list narratives. The campaign revealed that individuals are more likely to register via U.S. postal mail than the Internet. Conclusion: Direct-mail marketing efforts were shown to be an effective approach to promote organ and tissue donation registrations. The results demonstrated a preference for the combination framed brochure. The results are discussed with an emphasis on the practical implications of utilizing direct-mail marketing efforts to promote organ donation among young adults.
Purpose: The purpose of the current study was to examine differences among bodily integrity, disg... more Purpose: The purpose of the current study was to examine differences among bodily integrity, disgust, medical mistrust, and superstition among African Americans, Caucasians, and Latinos; females and males; and registered organ donors and non-registered potential donors. Methods: A random digit dialing phone survey was utilized to garner information pertaining to organ donation beliefs among African American (n ¼ 200), Caucasian (n ¼ 200), and Latino (n ¼ 200) Chicago residents. More specifically, participants responded to measures of bodily integrity, disgust, medical mistrust, and superstition, organ donor registration status, among others. Results: The results indicated that African American and Latino participants were less likely to be registered organ donors than Caucasians (p < .001). In general, females maintained fewer barriers than males with respect to bodily integrity (p < .05), disgust (p ¼ .01), and superstition (p ¼ .01). With respect to organ donation barriers, bodily integrity (p < .0001) emerged as a central concern among those surveyed. Conclusion: This study highlights the significance of audience segmentation when promoting posthumous organ and tissue donation. Specifically, the results stress the importance of constructing distinct messages to non-registered potential donors compared to messages delivered to registered donors. Moreover, different barriers surfaced among females and males as well as among African American, Caucasian, and Latino residents. It is clear that a one size fits all approach will likely not work when promoting organ and tissue donation.
This investigation sought to advance the extended parallel process model in important ways by tes... more This investigation sought to advance the extended parallel process model in important ways by testing associations among the strengths of efficacy and threat appeals with fear as well as two outcomes of fear-control processing, psychological reactance and message minimization. Within the context of print ads admonishing against noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and the fictitious Trepidosis virus, partial support was found for the additive model with no support for the multiplicative model. High efficacy appeals mitigated freedom threat perceptions across both contexts. Fear was positively associated with both freedom threat perceptions within the NIHL context and favorable attitudes for both NIHL and Trepidosis virus contexts. In line with psychological reactance theory, a freedom threat was positively associated with psychological reactance. Reactance, in turn, was positively associated with message minimization. The models supported reactance preceding message minimization across both message contexts. Both the theoretical and practical implications are discussed with an emphasis on future research opportunities within the fear-appeal literature.
Cialdini’s (1984) principles of influence were employed to inform the decision-making pro- cess w... more Cialdini’s (1984) principles of influence were employed to inform the decision-making pro- cess with respect to using condoms during casual sex. In the current study, focus groups (n = 9) were conducted to understand the relationship between the six principles of influence (authority, consistency, liking, reciprocity, scarcity, and social proof) and condom use in casual sex relationships. Results revealed that authority, consistency, and social proof were endorsed often as influencing condom use. Gender differences in the endorsement of the principles were also observed. The results speak to how these principles of influence aide the condom deci- sion-making process during these often spontaneous sexual encounters and are discussed with an emphasis on the theoretical and practical implications for using these principles in future health campaigns.
We applied the Health Belief Model (HBM) to better understand perceptions of organ donation among... more We applied the Health Belief Model (HBM) to better understand perceptions of organ donation among African American, Hispanic, and White high school students. We conducted 14 focus groups with 18-year-old students to identify strategies to reach this audience when promoting the First-Person Consent Registry (FPCR) for organ donation.We found that African American, Hispanic, and White high school students are largely unaware of the need for organ donors, and are unfamiliar with how to join the FPCR. Participants identified more barriers to joining the FPCR than benefits. Two aspects of self-efficacy emerged related to joining the FPCR: decisional and task efficacy. Overall, few differences were found with respect to organ donation myths across the three ethnic groups.The results are discussed, with an emphasis on how the findings compare and contrast with previous organ donation research.We focus on message design and dissemination strategies for practitioners targeting 18-year-old high school students with organ donation promotional materials.
The purpose of this study was to analyze television ads in the truth® campaign using the Extended... more The purpose of this study was to analyze television ads in the truth® campaign using the Extended Parallel Process Model (EPPM) as a framework. Among the ads (n = 86) ana- lyzed, results revealed a heavy reliance on severity messages, modest attention to susceptibility messages, and no inclusion of recommended response messages in the form of self-efficacy and response efficacy. The reliance on emphasizing the health threat, without incorporating recommended response messages, is discussed with respect to the likelihood of galvaniz- ing maladaptive responses such as psychological reactance, denial, and defensive avoidance resulting from exposure to these ads. Additionally, the unintended outcomes for secondary audiences including but not limited to stigma are considered. Implications and suggestions for practitioners and theorists are explored.
This study tests a comprehensive model linking Grey’s Anatomy viewing and perceived realism of th... more This study tests a comprehensive model linking Grey’s Anatomy viewing and perceived realism of this program with organ donation knowledge, barriers—including medical mistrust, disgust, bodily integrity, and superstition—and subsequent organ donation attitudes. In addition to testing the hypothesized structural model, ethnic differences were examined by way of (a) the multigroup method to test for differences in path coefficients, (b) multivariate analysis of variance to examine differences among the study variables, and (c) ␣2 tests to assess differences in organ donation registrations among African Americans (n ␣ 200), Caucasians (n ␣ 200), and Latinos (n ␣ 200). Support for the overall structural model was found and various differences emerged among the African American, Caucasian, and Latino sample across study variables.The results from this research are discussed with an emphasis on the theoretical and practical implications.
According to the American Diabetes Association, nearly 24 million Americans live with type 2 diab... more According to the American Diabetes Association, nearly 24 million Americans live with type 2 diabetes, and clinical data project that this figure will increase 165% from 2000 to 2050. Thus, there is a pressing need to understand not only the physiological and medical needs, but also the psychological demands associated with the illness. Even though uncertainty has been explicated in various other illness contexts and potentially shapes the experience of type 2 diabetes, very little attention has been paid to the nature of uncertainty in this context. The present study examines the nature of uncertainty through qualitative interviews with 49 individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Using grounded theory methods, various themes emerged relative to the sources of uncertainty. These themes are discussed in light of their potential extension of health communication theory and application to intervention and educational programs for individuals living with type 2 diabetes.
Presentation on how stigma affects people living with HIV/AIDS, and strategies for destigmatizing... more Presentation on how stigma affects people living with HIV/AIDS, and strategies for destigmatizing the illness.
Presentation of communication strategies (verbal, nonverbal, and written) when interviewing for i... more Presentation of communication strategies (verbal, nonverbal, and written) when interviewing for internships.
Fear appeals have long been one tool in the communication discipline's strategy to inform the pub... more Fear appeals have long been one tool in the communication discipline's strategy to inform the public about health behaviors and conditions. More specifically, one fear appeal framework, the Extended Parallel Process Model (EPPM), has received the lion's share of scholarly attention in the past few decades. However, this project posits that by increasing the public's perception of a health behavior's threat and efficacy (the two prominent components of the EPPM), that secondary audiences (those who do not participate in the specific health behavior) may create or maintain stigma and other negative attitudes toward primary audiences (those who do engage in the particular behavior). This research explores the relationships between threat, efficacy, stigma, perceived responsibility for one's behavior and health outcomes, and discrimination via messages on two similar topics: smoking and vaping (using electronic cigarettes).
The purpose of this study is to examine psychological reactance in response to graphic cigarette ... more The purpose of this study is to examine psychological reactance in response to graphic cigarette warning labels and to strengthen and expand on the current literature by using validated measures. Young adults (N = 435) were randomly assigned to a cigarette package featuring a graphic image or a package featuring no image. Utilizing both structural equation modeling and multivariate analyses, the results indicate that graphic warning labels are associated with freedom threat perceptions directly and reactance indirectly. In addition, exposure to graphic cigarette warning labels resulted in higher freedom threat perceptions, negative cognitions, and source domineeringness. Our results are considered with an emphasis on the theoretical and practical implications for policy makers.
've got mail! An examination of a statewide direct-mail marketing campaign to promote deceased or... more 've got mail! An examination of a statewide direct-mail marketing campaign to promote deceased organ donor registrations. Abstract: Background: This study extends previous direct-mail campaigns by evaluating the effectiveness of a marketing campaign promoting organ donation message strategies from the vantage point of organ donors, organ recipients, individuals on the waiting list, or a combination of these three frames. Methods: Illinois residents were randomly assigned to one of four organ donation brochures disseminated via U.S. postal mail. Registrations occurred via the Internet and U.S. postal mail. Results: Individuals register at a greater rate following exposure to the combination framed message compared to organ donor, organ recipient, and waiting list narratives. The campaign revealed that individuals are more likely to register via U.S. postal mail than the Internet. Conclusion: Direct-mail marketing efforts were shown to be an effective approach to promote organ and tissue donation registrations. The results demonstrated a preference for the combination framed brochure. The results are discussed with an emphasis on the practical implications of utilizing direct-mail marketing efforts to promote organ donation among young adults.
Purpose: The purpose of the current study was to examine differences among bodily integrity, disg... more Purpose: The purpose of the current study was to examine differences among bodily integrity, disgust, medical mistrust, and superstition among African Americans, Caucasians, and Latinos; females and males; and registered organ donors and non-registered potential donors. Methods: A random digit dialing phone survey was utilized to garner information pertaining to organ donation beliefs among African American (n ¼ 200), Caucasian (n ¼ 200), and Latino (n ¼ 200) Chicago residents. More specifically, participants responded to measures of bodily integrity, disgust, medical mistrust, and superstition, organ donor registration status, among others. Results: The results indicated that African American and Latino participants were less likely to be registered organ donors than Caucasians (p < .001). In general, females maintained fewer barriers than males with respect to bodily integrity (p < .05), disgust (p ¼ .01), and superstition (p ¼ .01). With respect to organ donation barriers, bodily integrity (p < .0001) emerged as a central concern among those surveyed. Conclusion: This study highlights the significance of audience segmentation when promoting posthumous organ and tissue donation. Specifically, the results stress the importance of constructing distinct messages to non-registered potential donors compared to messages delivered to registered donors. Moreover, different barriers surfaced among females and males as well as among African American, Caucasian, and Latino residents. It is clear that a one size fits all approach will likely not work when promoting organ and tissue donation.
This investigation sought to advance the extended parallel process model in important ways by tes... more This investigation sought to advance the extended parallel process model in important ways by testing associations among the strengths of efficacy and threat appeals with fear as well as two outcomes of fear-control processing, psychological reactance and message minimization. Within the context of print ads admonishing against noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and the fictitious Trepidosis virus, partial support was found for the additive model with no support for the multiplicative model. High efficacy appeals mitigated freedom threat perceptions across both contexts. Fear was positively associated with both freedom threat perceptions within the NIHL context and favorable attitudes for both NIHL and Trepidosis virus contexts. In line with psychological reactance theory, a freedom threat was positively associated with psychological reactance. Reactance, in turn, was positively associated with message minimization. The models supported reactance preceding message minimization across both message contexts. Both the theoretical and practical implications are discussed with an emphasis on future research opportunities within the fear-appeal literature.
Cialdini’s (1984) principles of influence were employed to inform the decision-making pro- cess w... more Cialdini’s (1984) principles of influence were employed to inform the decision-making pro- cess with respect to using condoms during casual sex. In the current study, focus groups (n = 9) were conducted to understand the relationship between the six principles of influence (authority, consistency, liking, reciprocity, scarcity, and social proof) and condom use in casual sex relationships. Results revealed that authority, consistency, and social proof were endorsed often as influencing condom use. Gender differences in the endorsement of the principles were also observed. The results speak to how these principles of influence aide the condom deci- sion-making process during these often spontaneous sexual encounters and are discussed with an emphasis on the theoretical and practical implications for using these principles in future health campaigns.
We applied the Health Belief Model (HBM) to better understand perceptions of organ donation among... more We applied the Health Belief Model (HBM) to better understand perceptions of organ donation among African American, Hispanic, and White high school students. We conducted 14 focus groups with 18-year-old students to identify strategies to reach this audience when promoting the First-Person Consent Registry (FPCR) for organ donation.We found that African American, Hispanic, and White high school students are largely unaware of the need for organ donors, and are unfamiliar with how to join the FPCR. Participants identified more barriers to joining the FPCR than benefits. Two aspects of self-efficacy emerged related to joining the FPCR: decisional and task efficacy. Overall, few differences were found with respect to organ donation myths across the three ethnic groups.The results are discussed, with an emphasis on how the findings compare and contrast with previous organ donation research.We focus on message design and dissemination strategies for practitioners targeting 18-year-old high school students with organ donation promotional materials.
The purpose of this study was to analyze television ads in the truth® campaign using the Extended... more The purpose of this study was to analyze television ads in the truth® campaign using the Extended Parallel Process Model (EPPM) as a framework. Among the ads (n = 86) ana- lyzed, results revealed a heavy reliance on severity messages, modest attention to susceptibility messages, and no inclusion of recommended response messages in the form of self-efficacy and response efficacy. The reliance on emphasizing the health threat, without incorporating recommended response messages, is discussed with respect to the likelihood of galvaniz- ing maladaptive responses such as psychological reactance, denial, and defensive avoidance resulting from exposure to these ads. Additionally, the unintended outcomes for secondary audiences including but not limited to stigma are considered. Implications and suggestions for practitioners and theorists are explored.
This study tests a comprehensive model linking Grey’s Anatomy viewing and perceived realism of th... more This study tests a comprehensive model linking Grey’s Anatomy viewing and perceived realism of this program with organ donation knowledge, barriers—including medical mistrust, disgust, bodily integrity, and superstition—and subsequent organ donation attitudes. In addition to testing the hypothesized structural model, ethnic differences were examined by way of (a) the multigroup method to test for differences in path coefficients, (b) multivariate analysis of variance to examine differences among the study variables, and (c) ␣2 tests to assess differences in organ donation registrations among African Americans (n ␣ 200), Caucasians (n ␣ 200), and Latinos (n ␣ 200). Support for the overall structural model was found and various differences emerged among the African American, Caucasian, and Latino sample across study variables.The results from this research are discussed with an emphasis on the theoretical and practical implications.
According to the American Diabetes Association, nearly 24 million Americans live with type 2 diab... more According to the American Diabetes Association, nearly 24 million Americans live with type 2 diabetes, and clinical data project that this figure will increase 165% from 2000 to 2050. Thus, there is a pressing need to understand not only the physiological and medical needs, but also the psychological demands associated with the illness. Even though uncertainty has been explicated in various other illness contexts and potentially shapes the experience of type 2 diabetes, very little attention has been paid to the nature of uncertainty in this context. The present study examines the nature of uncertainty through qualitative interviews with 49 individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Using grounded theory methods, various themes emerged relative to the sources of uncertainty. These themes are discussed in light of their potential extension of health communication theory and application to intervention and educational programs for individuals living with type 2 diabetes.
Presentation on how stigma affects people living with HIV/AIDS, and strategies for destigmatizing... more Presentation on how stigma affects people living with HIV/AIDS, and strategies for destigmatizing the illness.
Presentation of communication strategies (verbal, nonverbal, and written) when interviewing for i... more Presentation of communication strategies (verbal, nonverbal, and written) when interviewing for internships.
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