Narrative Processing by Perspective: Impacts on Attitudes and Risk Perceptions of Tanning Bed Use by Female College Students

• In Event: Scholar to Scholar VI
  In Scholar to Scholar Session: Perceptions of risk in health decision making

Abstract

This study analyzed the effectiveness of first versus third person storytelling risk messages on female college students’ attitudes and risk perceptions regarding tanning beds through an information processing theory. Data was collected online. No condition effects were found. Overall, participants reported more positive than negative affect and processed the message in a heuristic and systematic manner. Health communicators should know narrative messages solicit both heuristic and systematic thoughts. Future research should analyze this co-occurrence.

Authors

• Samantha Nazione, Michigan State University

• Andrea Kovac, Michigan State University

• Elizabeth Anderson, Michigan State University

• Maria Lapinski, Michigan State University