Abstract
Previous research has demonstrated that loss-framed messages are more effective than gain-framed messages in motivating detection
behaviors such as screening. The present study examined whether affective context moderates the degree to which message frame
is associated with behavioral intentions to engage in colorectal cancer screening. In particular, we buttressed a framing
manipulation with an “affective booster” to increase anticipated and anticipatory emotions associated with the framed messages.
Consistent with previous research, we found that loss-framed messages are more effective in increasing intentions to screen.
However, we found that among individuals who received gain-framed messages (but not loss-framed messages), the affective booster
increased message persuasiveness. This effect on intentions was partially mediated by self-efficacy for engaging in screening.
This study indicates that in the presence of emotional boosters, loss-framed messages may lose their advantage over gain-framed
messages in motivating detection behaviors, and that self-efficacy may partially explain these effects.
behaviors such as screening. The present study examined whether affective context moderates the degree to which message frame
is associated with behavioral intentions to engage in colorectal cancer screening. In particular, we buttressed a framing
manipulation with an “affective booster” to increase anticipated and anticipatory emotions associated with the framed messages.
Consistent with previous research, we found that loss-framed messages are more effective in increasing intentions to screen.
However, we found that among individuals who received gain-framed messages (but not loss-framed messages), the affective booster
increased message persuasiveness. This effect on intentions was partially mediated by self-efficacy for engaging in screening.
This study indicates that in the presence of emotional boosters, loss-framed messages may lose their advantage over gain-framed
messages in motivating detection behaviors, and that self-efficacy may partially explain these effects.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-10
- DOI 10.1007/s10865-011-9371-3
- Authors
- Rebecca A. Ferrer, Behavioral Research Program, Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, 6130 Executive Blvd., Room 4083, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
- William M. P. Klein, Behavioral Research Program, Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, 6130 Executive Blvd., Room 4083, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
- Laura E. Zajac, Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Stephanie R. Land, Department of Biostatistics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Bruce S. Ling, Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Journal Journal of Behavioral Medicine
- Online ISSN 1573-3521
- Print ISSN 0160-7715