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Cancer Epidemiology Oct 2023Cancer prevention is the most efficient and cost-effective strategy in cancer control. One prevention strategy is giving credible, clear, and evidence-based...
Latin America and the Caribbean Code Against Cancer 1st edition: Formative research on the comprehension and persuasiveness of the recommendations by the general population.
BACKGROUND
Cancer prevention is the most efficient and cost-effective strategy in cancer control. One prevention strategy is giving credible, clear, and evidence-based recommendations to the individual; however, it is key that these messages are accepted and understood properly by the public. This study aimed to pilot the draft recommendations developed as part of the Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) Code Against Cancer 1st edition, in terms of comprehension and persuasion of each message.
METHODS
A mixed method two-wave study, in which two versions of the messages were presented to the general population in five LAC countries. We used an ad-hoc questionnaire and interviews that followed the cognitive-pretesting methodology.
RESULTS
Findings suggest that the messages were generally well understood, especially in Spanish speaking countries, and that the messages were generally more understandable than persuasive. We adapted and revised the recommendations based on the findings of the first Wave and held a second iteration in the Spanish speaking countries. We observed a better understanding of most messages in Wave 2.
CONCLUSION
The LAC Code Against Cancer is a valuable tool of well understood messages for the public, with concrete actions everyone can take to prevent cancer. Further research should assess particularities of the region for further efficient dissemination of these important health messages, identify key messages for certain population groups and future interventions that strengthen health literacy in rural and less educated populations to increase behavior change.
Topics: Humans; Latin America; Persuasive Communication; Population Groups; Comprehension; Caribbean Region; Neoplasms
PubMed: 37852727
DOI: 10.1016/j.canep.2023.102456 -
Frontiers in Psychology 2023Guilt appeals are widely used as a persuasive approach in various areas of practice. However, the strength and direction of the persuasive effects of guilt appeals are...
INTRODUCTION
Guilt appeals are widely used as a persuasive approach in various areas of practice. However, the strength and direction of the persuasive effects of guilt appeals are mixed, which could be influenced by theoretical and methodological factors.
METHOD
The present study is a comprehensive meta-analysis of 26 studies using a random-effects model to assess the persuasive effects of guilt appeals. In total, 127 effect sizes from seven types of persuasive outcomes (i.e., guilt, attitude, behavior, behavioral intention, non-guilt emotions, motivation, and cognition) were calculated based on 7,512 participants.
RESULTS
The analysis showed a small effect size of guilt appeals [ = 0.19, 95% CI (0.10, 0.28)]. The effect of guilt appeals was moderated by the theoretical factors related to appraisal and coping of guilt arousal, including attributed responsibility, controllability and stability of the causal factors, the proximity of perceiver-victim relationship, recommendation of reparative behaviors, and different outcome types. The effect was also associated with methods used in different studies.
DISCUSSION
Overall, the findings demonstrated the persuasive effects of guilt appeals, but theoretical and methodological factors should be considered in the design and testing of guilt appeals. We also discussed the practical implications of the findings.
PubMed: 37842697
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1201631 -
Discourse & Society Nov 2023Experimental studies have shown that narratives can be effective persuasive tools in addressing vaccine hesitancy, including regarding the vaccine against the human...
Experimental studies have shown that narratives can be effective persuasive tools in addressing vaccine hesitancy, including regarding the vaccine against the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is transmitted via sexual contact and can cause cervical cancer. This paper presents an analysis of a thread from the online parenting forum Mumsnet Talk where an initially undecided Original Poster is persuaded to vaccinate their child against HPV by a respondent's narrative of cervical cancer that they describe as difficult to share. This paper considers this particular narrative alongside all other narratives that precede the decision announced on the Mumsnet thread. It shows how producing pro-vaccination narratives about HPV involves challenges regarding 'tellability' - what makes the events in a narrative reportable or worth telling. We suggest that this has implications for the context-dependent nature of tellability, the role of parenting forums in vaccination-related discussions, and narrative-based communication about vaccinations more generally.
PubMed: 37842205
DOI: 10.1177/09579265231181075 -
Journal of Medical Internet Research Oct 2023The ubiquity of short videos has demonstrated vast potential for health communication. An expansion of research has examined the persuasive effect of health... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The ubiquity of short videos has demonstrated vast potential for health communication. An expansion of research has examined the persuasive effect of health communication in short videos, yet a synthesis of the research is lacking.
OBJECTIVE
This paper aims to provide an overview of the literature by examining the persuasive effect of health communication in short videos, offering guidance for researchers and practitioners. In particular, it seeks to address 4 key research questions: What are the characteristics of short videos, samples, and research designs in short video-based health communication literature? What theories underpin the short video-based health communication literature? What are the persuasive effects of health communication in short videos? and What directions should future research in this area take?
METHODS
Following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, an electronic search of 10 databases up to March 10, 2023, generated 4118 results. After the full-text screening, 18 articles met the eligibility criteria.
RESULTS
The current research lacks a uniform definition of short videos, demonstrates sample biases in location and education, and adopts limited methodologies. Most studies in this synthesis are theoretically grounded or use theoretical concepts, which are predominantly well examined in persuasion research. Moreover, relevant topics and suitable themes are effective in persuasive health communication outcomes, whereas the impact of diverse narrative techniques remains ambiguous.
CONCLUSIONS
We recommend that future research extends the definition of short videos beyond time constraints and explores non-Western and less-educated populations. In addition, researchers should consider diverse methods to provide a more comprehensive examination and investigate the impact of audience targeting and narrative techniques in short video health communication. Finally, investigating how the unique aspects of short videos interact with or challenge traditional persuasion theories is essential.
Topics: Humans; Persuasive Communication; Health Communication; Narration; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 37831488
DOI: 10.2196/48508 -
Frontiers in Psychology 2023As games made with the explicit or implicit purpose of influencing players' attitudes, persuasive games afford a new way for individuals to reflect and elaborate on...
INTRODUCTION
As games made with the explicit or implicit purpose of influencing players' attitudes, persuasive games afford a new way for individuals to reflect and elaborate on real-world issues or topics. While research points to effects of these games on their players, little is known about their practical impact. The current study focuses on the decision-making process that takes place between first hearing about a game and deciding to play it. Three elements in a game's presentation to potential players were explored: (1) the way it is framed as an entertaining experience, (2) the way it is framed as intending to persuade its players, and (3) whether it comes recommended by automated systems or through electronic word-of-mouth. These factors were chosen in line with theoretical arguments around framing, eudaimonia, and source credibility.
METHODS
A two (entertainment frame: hedonic versus eudaimonic) by two (persuasive intent frame: obfuscated versus explicit) by two (source of recommendation: system- versus peer-based) between-subjects experimental design was performed across ( = 310) randomly distributed participants. Measures were adapted from previous research and included selection and play behavior, attitudes, and obtrusiveness of persuasive intent, among others.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Results show that frames need to be congruent to be effective, with the most effective stimuli being those where persuasive intent was clear and players could expect to engage meaningfully. Peer recommendations led to greater play intention than system-based varieties. While intention to play positively related to actual play behavior, this relationship was likely the result of avid game players displaying more interest in the game regardless of the study's manipulations. Implications are drawn from the advantages of being open about persuasive intent and the composition and drivers of a persuasive game's target audience.
PubMed: 37744574
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1173429 -
Frontiers in Human Neuroscience 2023One approach to bridging the gap between consumer intentions and behavior is persuasive communication to reinforce their intentions and thereby support their behavior...
INTRODUCTION
One approach to bridging the gap between consumer intentions and behavior is persuasive communication to reinforce their intentions and thereby support their behavior change. Message framing has proven to be a useful, persuasive communication tool. However, message framing is considered more complicated than other types of framing because, in addition to concept-specific elements, it is also strongly influenced by and, in turn, influences emotions. Therefore, it is almost impossible for consumers to verbally express their attitudes, so the challenge is to explain and measure its impact. This research aims to help in this regard by suggesting a theoretical model to understand how message framing is processed from a consumer neuroscience perspective. More precisely, the factors that constitute message framing are systematized and built on a reflective-impulsive model and a neural emotion-cognition framework interpreted to explain the persuasive effects of message framing.
METHOD
A functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) experiment is used to examine the effects of message framing for four different frame types that are hypothesized to affect consumer information processing differently.
RESULT
The results suggest that communication strategies should take into account the valence of the objects and the frame used. The behavioral results partially confirm the assumption that two types of information processing could take place, as suggested by the reflective-impulsive model. At the neural level, using the network perspective, the results show that certain brain regions primarily associated with emotional and cognitive interaction processes are active during processing, depending on the framing of the message.
DISCUSSION
In cases of indirect avoidance value-consistent framing, it may be good to communicate the bad in the appropriate frame to influence information processing.
PubMed: 37731668
DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2023.1085810 -
Journal of Biomedical Informatics Oct 2023Mobile health, or mHealth, is based on mobile information and communication technologies and provides solutions for empowering individuals to participate in healthcare....
INTRODUCTION
Mobile health, or mHealth, is based on mobile information and communication technologies and provides solutions for empowering individuals to participate in healthcare. Personalisation techniques have been used to increase user engagement and adherence to interventions delivered as mHealth solutions. This study aims to explore the current state of personalisation in mHealth, including its current trends and implementation.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We conducted a review following PRISMA guidelines. Four databases (PubMed, ACM Digital Library, IEEE Xplore, and APA PsycInfo) were searched for studies on mHealth solutions that integrate personalisation. The retrieved papers were assessed for eligibility and useful information regarding integrated personalisation techniques.
RESULTS
Out of the 1,139 retrieved studies, 62 were included in the narrative synthesis. Research interest in the personalisation of mHealth solutions has increased since 2020. mHealth solutions were mainly applied to endocrine, nutritional, and metabolic diseases; mental, behavioural, or neurodevelopmental diseases; or the promotion of healthy lifestyle behaviours. Its main purposes are to support disease self-management and promote healthy lifestyle behaviours. Mobile applications are the most prevalent technological solution. Although several design models, such as user-centred and patient-centred designs, were used, no specific frameworks or models for personalisation were followed. These solutions rely on behaviour change theories, use gamification or motivational messages, and personalise the content rather than functionality. A broad range of data is used for personalisation purposes. There is a lack of studies assessing the efficacy of these solutions; therefore, further evidence is needed.
DISCUSSION
Personalisation in mHealth has not been well researched. Although several techniques have been integrated, the effects of using a combination of personalisation techniques remain unclear. Although personalisation is considered a persuasive strategy, many mHealth solutions do not employ it.
CONCLUSIONS
Open research questions concern guidelines for successful personalisation techniques in mHealth, design frameworks, and comprehensive studies on the effects and interactions among multiple personalisation techniques.
PubMed: 37722446
DOI: 10.1016/j.jbi.2023.104500 -
Scientific Reports Aug 2023Women have less influence than men in a variety of settings. Does this result from stereotypes that depict women as less capable, or biased interpretations of gender... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Women have less influence than men in a variety of settings. Does this result from stereotypes that depict women as less capable, or biased interpretations of gender differences in behavior? We present a field experiment that-unbeknownst to the participants-randomized the gender of avatars assigned to Democrats using a social media platform we created to facilitate discussion about the 2020 Primary Election. We find that misrepresenting a man as a woman undermines his influence, but misrepresenting a woman as a man does not increase hers. We demonstrate that men's higher resistance to being influenced-and gendered word use patterns-both contribute to this outcome. These findings challenge prevailing wisdom that women simply need to behave more like men to overcome gender discrimination and suggest that narrowing the gap will require simultaneous attention to the behavior of people who identify as women and as men.
Topics: Female; Humans; Male; Persuasive Communication; Sexism; Social Media; Stereotypic Movement Disorder
PubMed: 37640702
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39359-0 -
Health Informatics Journal 2023Embodied Conversational Agents (ECAs) can increase user engagement and involvement and can strengthen the effect of an intervention on health outcomes that is provided...
Embodied Conversational Agents (ECAs) can increase user engagement and involvement and can strengthen the effect of an intervention on health outcomes that is provided via an ECA. However, evidence regarding the effectiveness of ECAs on health outcomes is still limited. In this article, we report on a study that has the goal to identify the effect of a match between a health topic and the ECAs' appearance on ratings of personality characteristics, persuasiveness and intention to use. We report on an online experiment with three different ECAs and three different health topics, conducted among 732 older adults. We triangulated the quantitative results with qualitative insights from a focus group. The results reveal that older adults prefer an ECA that has an appearance matching a certain health topic, resulting in higher ratings on persuasiveness and intention to use. Personality characteristics should be measured embedded within a health topic, but are not rated higher because of a match. We furthermore provide guidelines for designing the content of the ECA.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Persuasive Communication; Focus Groups; Communication; Health Behavior; Motivation
PubMed: 37625392
DOI: 10.1177/14604582231183390 -
Data in Brief Oct 2023Persuasion techniques play a vital role in human communication, influencing various aspects of our lives. With the increasing prevalence of digital platforms, these...
Persuasion techniques play a vital role in human communication, influencing various aspects of our lives. With the increasing prevalence of digital platforms, these techniques have permeated online spaces such as websites, mobile apps, games, and social media. This article presents a dataset collected via a survey, designed to gather information about individuals' demographics, personality traits, dysfunctional attitudes, and their responses to statements embedded with persuasion techniques. Core messages promoting paid news subscriptions, blood donations, and exercise serve as the focus, while definitions and examples of persuasive techniques are provided. By analyzing this comprehensive dataset, researchers could gain valuable insights into the influence and impact of persuasive communication strategies.
PubMed: 37609650
DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2023.109473