HARRIS_Psychology_and_health_Jul-2020.pdf (373.51 kB)
Greater benefit of self-affirmation for prevention-focused individuals prior to threatening health messages
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-09, 21:50 authored by Rebecca A Ferrer, Jennifer L Cerully, Pete HarrisPete Harris, William M P KleinObjective Individuals are often defensive toward health messages that suggest they are putting their health at risk because such messages threaten their self-competence and integrity. Although self-affirmation can facilitate prevention behaviors in response to health messages, effects are variable. We examined whether disease prevention focus might strengthen self-affirmation’s effects in response to disease prevention messages, given that prevention-focused individuals are likeliest to be persuaded by those messages after self-affirmation attenuates defensiveness. Design In Study 1, participants were self-affirmed before a message about sexually transmitted infections. In Studies 2 and 3, individuals were self-affirmed prior to a message about alcohol and cancer risk. Main Outcome Measures Studies assessed intentions to use condoms, intentions to reduce alcohol, and willingness to drink alcohol in specific scenarios. Results In Study 1, self-affirmation facilitated condom use intentions among those higher in prevention focus. In Studies 2 and 3, self-affirmation facilitated lower willingness to consume alcohol among those high in prevention focus. A meta-analysis across the three studies indicated that self-affirmation improved intentions and willingness under high, but not low, prevention focus (d?=?0.20, p = .003). Conclusion These findings demonstrate that health prevention-focus can strengthen self-affirmation’s effects, thereby improving responsiveness to health communications about behaviors that increase disease risk.
History
Publication status
- Published
File Version
- Accepted version
Journal
Psychology and HealthISSN
0887-0446Publisher
Taylor & FrancisExternal DOI
Page range
1-20Event location
EnglandDepartment affiliated with
- Psychology Publications
Full text available
- Yes
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2020-10-09First Open Access (FOA) Date
2021-08-12First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date
2020-10-08Usage metrics
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