Effects of Emotional vs. Logical Processing and Messages on Skin Cancer Risk Behaviors
Presentation Type
Poster/Portfolio
Presenter Major(s)
Psychology
Mentor Information
Amanda Dillard
Department
Psychology
Location
Henry Hall Atrium 102
Start Date
11-4-2012 9:00 AM
Keywords
Health
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to test the effects of different information processing and formats in communicating the risk of skin cancer. College student women who reported indoor tanning in the past were randomly assigned to read a narrative about a similar other or a bulleted list of facts about skin cancer. Both formats included the same factual information. Additionally, participants were randomly assigned to one of two instruction primes: they were asked to process information rationally (based on logic and reason) or experientially (based on emotions and experiences). We then tested the effects and interactions of these factors on knowledge about skin cancer, risk perception, and behavior intentions related to tanning in the future.
Effects of Emotional vs. Logical Processing and Messages on Skin Cancer Risk Behaviors
Henry Hall Atrium 102
The purpose of this study was to test the effects of different information processing and formats in communicating the risk of skin cancer. College student women who reported indoor tanning in the past were randomly assigned to read a narrative about a similar other or a bulleted list of facts about skin cancer. Both formats included the same factual information. Additionally, participants were randomly assigned to one of two instruction primes: they were asked to process information rationally (based on logic and reason) or experientially (based on emotions and experiences). We then tested the effects and interactions of these factors on knowledge about skin cancer, risk perception, and behavior intentions related to tanning in the future.