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First-year seminars (FYS) comprise one of 11 researched interventions in postsecondary education known as High-Impact Practices, but few rigorous studies report significantly high impacts. This study examined a FYS employing propensity score matching to link cases and controls in a quasi-experimental design. One semester later cumulative grade point average (GPA), cumulative hours attempted, and 1-year later indicators (hours earned, hours attempted, and term GPA) were statistically different between the two groups. Three freshman survey items were also statistically significant and differences were observed within the same semester of the program. Quantitative differences did not appear immediately but appeared one term and 1 year later. Mean differences did not appear to diminish between groups over time. This analysis helps to fill a void in the paucity of studies clarifying the relationship between FYS participation and outcomes using comparison groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although working in a coal mine can diminish one's hearing capabilities by 50%, not until 2000 did federal laws require companies to establish noise standards in order to help prevent hearing loss among their employees. Since then, researchers have worked with safety administrators to develop effective messages promoting hearing protection and testing. This research assessed the effects of campaign messages on discussing campaign postcards and talking with others about a helmet-sticker incentive. The results, which are discussed with a focus on future campaigns, indicate that hearing-related attitudes, intentions, and behaviors are the most influenced by messages that were affectively neutral and least influenced by messages that were affectively negative. (Contains 6 tables and 1 note.)

The present investigation sought to advance Psychological Reactance Theory (PRT) by examining whether trait reactance and sensation seeking influence the magnitude of a perceived threat, state reactance, and reactance restoration. Results revealed that high trait reactant (HTR) and low trait reactant (LTR) individuals and high sensation seekers (HSS) and low sensation seekers (LSS) processed persuasive messages similarly, adding credibility to recent PRT advances. Dogmatic and vivid language were perceived as a threat for most individuals. An interaction between dogmatic and vivid language on perceived threat was found for HTR and HSS for the sunscreen message. An indirect effect connecting language features and state reactance through perceived threat was supported. Regression analysis revealed that trait reactance and sensation seeking predict variables associated with state reactance.

Adolescents with high sensation-seeking tendencies often seek out thrill seeking experiences to satisfy their need for stimulation and sensation. In many cases, sensation-seeking adolescents fulfill their need for stimulation and sensation by using illicit substances. However, not all high sensation seekers use drugs, although the factors that prevent or buffer sensation seeking remain unexplored. This study fills this gap in extant research by examining the role of authoritative parenting as a protective factor that prevents or buffers cigarette and marijuana use by adolescents with high sensation-seeking tendencies. Data from 1,461 adolescents attending 6th through 8th grades in central Colorado were gathered during a semester-long classroom-based intervention to prevent the onset or further use of cigarettes. Results indicate that authoritative parenting moderated the effect of sensation seeking on adolescent marijuana attitudes, intentions, and peer influence but not behaviors. Further, authoritative parenting was a stronger influence than sensation seeking on cigarette-related outcomes with just the opposite effect observed for marijuana-related outcomes. (Contains 4 tables.)

Objectives: To examine strategies for using the mass media effectively in drug prevention campaigns targeting high sensation seekers. Methods: Both experimental lab and field studies were used to develop a comprehensive audience segmentation strategy targeting high sensation seekers. Results: A 4-pronged targeting strategy employed in an antimarijuana media campaign yielded significant drops in 30-day marijuana use by adolescents. Other research demonstrates how high and low sensation seekers process antidrug ads differently. Conclusions: Mass mediated antidrug campaigns aimed at high sensation seekers are effective tools for drug prevention.

Identifies message design features that show the greatest promise for developing message high in sensation value for anti-drug campaigns and other interventions aimed at sensation-seeking risky behaviors. Investigates certain features of drug prevention Public Service Announcements (PSAs) associated with viewers' subjective responses to them. Finds that perceived message sensation value is at least in part a product of the formal and content features of a PSA. (SG)

Investigates sensation seeking as a moderating variable of 368 adolescents' reactions to antimarijuana public service announcements. Notes that two structural equation models (one for high sensation seekers and the other for low sensation seekers) revealed two very different styles of processing the ads. Considers how antimarijuana attitudes for high sensation seekers were influenced directly and indirectly by sympathetic distress and directly by argument-based processing. (SG)

Reports the results of two studies measuring the effects on undergraduate communication students of watching U.S. presidential primary debates. Concludes that primary debates are capable of influencing both policy and character impressions of the candidates, as well as changing voting intentions and increasing voter confidence. (SG)

Notes that structural equation modeling (SEM) is a viable multivariate tool used by communication researchers for the past quarter century. Summarizes the use of this technique from 1995-2000 in 37 communication-based academic journals. Identifies and critically assesses 3 unique methods for testing structural relationships via SEM in terms of the specification, estimation, and evaluation of their respective structural equation models. Provides general guidelines for the use of SEM. (SG)

Although working in a coal mine can diminish one's hearing capabilities by 50%, not until 2000 did federal laws require companies to establish noise standards in order to help prevent hearing loss among their employees. Since then, researchers have worked with safety administrators to develop effective messages promoting hearing protection and testing. This research assessed the effects of campaign messages on discussing campaign postcards and talking with others about a helmet-slicker incentive. The results, which are discussed with a focus on future campaigns, indicate that hearing-related attitudes, intentions, and behaviors are the most influenced by messages that were affectively neutral and least influenced by messages that were affectively negative. Keywords: Campaign; Conversations; Media Effects; Coal Mining; Hearing Protection

The present investigation sought to advance Psychological Reactance Theory (PRT) by examining whether trait reactance and sensation seeking influence the magnitude of a perceived threat, state reactance, and reactance restoration. Results revealed that high trait reactant (HTR) and low trait reactant (LTR) individuals and high sensation seekers (HSS) and low sensation seekers (LSS) processed persuasive messages similarly, adding credibility to recent PRT advances. Dogmatic and vivid language were perceived as a threat for most individuals. An interaction between dogmatic and vivid language on perceived threat was found for HTR and HSS for the sunscreen message. An indirect effect connecting language features and state reactance through perceived threat was supported. Regression analysis revealed that trait reactance and sensation seeking predict variables associated with state reactance.

Objectives. We evaluated the effects of the Marijuana Initiative portion of the Office of National Drug Control Policy's National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign on high-sensation-seeking and low-sensation-seeking adolescents. Methods. Personal interviews were conducted via laptop computers with independent monthly random samples of 100 youths from the same age cohort in each of 2 moderate-sized communities over 48 months (April 1999-March 2003) of the campaign, including the critical first 6 months of the 9-month initiative. The start of the initiative was treated as an 'interruption' in time-series analyses of the combined community sample. Results. The Marijuana Initiative reversed upward developmental trends in 30-day marijuana use among high-sensation-seeking adolescents (P Conclusions. Substance use prevention campaigns can be effective within an approach using dramatic negative-consequence messages targeted to high-sensation seekers. (Am J Public Health. 2007;97:1644-1649. doi:10.2105/AJPH. 2005.072843)

The primary objective of this investigation was to validate the recent operationalization of state reactance as a latent construct comprised of both affective and cognitive components. In addition to testing the operationalization of reactance, the authors tested the conceptual coherence of this construct by examining its association with threat-to-choice perceptions and ad persuasiveness of condom ads. Across seven condom television ads, the authors found evidence in support of treating reactance as a latent variable comprised of negative cognitions and state anger. An invariance test demonstrated that both of these variables loaded on reactance equivalently across all seven ads. In addition, results indicate that threat-to-choice perceptions are positively associated with reactance, thus providing conceptual consistency of this operationalization with Brehm's explication of reactance. Furthermore, the authors found evidence suggesting a negative association between ad persuasiveness with reactance and threat-to-choice perceptions. Keywords: psychological reactance; message processing; condom ads

Research on organ donation suggests a strong association between family discussions about the issue and final organ donor status. However, very few studies have examined the factors that influence individuals' willingness to talk directly to their family about this topic or the impact of these discussions. This investigation provides a partial test of a newly developed theory of information management to better understand the processes of family discussions about organ donation. Results from two studies generally support the utility of the theory in this context, suggest ways in which organ donation campaigns may improve their effectiveness, and recommend future directions for researchers in this area. Moreover, the data show differences across ethnic groups that support and extend past work in this area. Keywords: Uncertainty; Organ Donation; Information Seeking; Family Communication

The research reported here investigated sensation seeking as a moderating variable of 368 adolescents' reactions to antimarijuana public service announcements. Participants rated the perceived message sensation value of 3 antimarijuana TV ads, their processing of the consequences of marijuana use, their affective responses to the ads, and antimarijuana attitudes. Two structural equation models--1 for high sensation seekers and the other for low sensation seekers--revealed 2 very different styles of processing the ads. Specifically, antimarijuana attitudes for high sensation seekers were influenced directly and indirectly by sympathetic distress and directly by argument-based processing. In contrast, antimarijuana attitudes for low sensation seekers were influenced solely by argument-based processing.

In this study, three approaches commonly used by communication scientists to specify structural relationships using full-information maximum likelihood structural equation modeling are investigated. Specifically, a simulation study using Monte Carlo techniques was conducted to compare the structural paths generated by each of the three structural equation model types. Two of the three approaches utilized forms of latent variable modeling, and the third approach employed observed variables only. Of the three, the observed variable approach produced the most conservative structural path coefficients, whereas the hybrid latent variable approach generated the least attenuated coefficients. The appropriateness of each technique in modeling structural relationships is discussed and an argument is made for greater use of latent variable structural equation modeling in the field of communication. Keywords: structural equation model; latent variable; Monte Carlo; media effects; media exposure

Sensation seeking, an individual difference trait that is psychobiological in nature, characterizes individuals seeking to satisfy their drive for novel, exciting, and stimulating life experiences (Zuckerman, 1994). Sensation seekers savor [...]

Structural equation modeling (SEM) is a viable multivariate tool used by communication researchers for the past quarter century. Building off Cappella (1975) as well as McPhee and Babrow (1987), this study summarizes the use of this technique from 1995-2000 in 37 communication-based academic journals. We identify and critically assess 3 unique methods for testing structural relationships via SEM in terms of the specification, estimation, and evaluation of their respective structural equation models. We provide general guidelines for the use of SEM and make recommendations concerning latent variable models, sample size, reporting parameter estimates, model fit statistics, cross-sectional data, univariate normality, cross-validation, nonrecursive modeling, and the decomposition of effects (direct, indirect, and total).

This study examined televised anti-drug public service announcements (PSAs) that direct parents to prevent their children from using drugs. A content analysis of 17 PSAs, televised from 1989 to 1998, was conducted to determine (a) the prevention strategies most frequently recommended to parents, (b) the presentation of these messages, and (c) whether PSA content reflected persuasion theories typically used in the design of health-related messages. Most PSAs encouraged parents to communicate directly with their children about the consequences of using drugs, not to over-look everyday opportunities to communicate with their children about drug-related consequences, were affectively neutral, and featured information conveyed by an off-camera narrator. About half the messages reflected theories commonly used to create health messages. Future anti-drug PSAs directed at parents should employ theory to model parent-child communication behaviors, emphasize the importance of monitoring children's activities, and encourage parents to stay involved with children's school and social environments.

The authors examine the effects of watching presidential debates has on television viewers. Topics include image advertising, campaign debates, and political campaigns.

Petty and Cacioppo's (1981, 1986a, 1986b) Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM) is perhaps one of the most researched theories of attitude change. Nevertheless, the considerable research on this theory provides scant [...]

Drug prevention research has demonstrated the effectiveness of high sensation value messages in influencing drug-related attitudes and behaviors of high sensation seekers (HSS). While there is insight into what kinds of messages are most effective in persuading HSS, we have much less understanding of the cognitive and affective processes which lead to such outcomes. This study assessed the influence of perceived message sensation value and personal involvement with marijuana on how 386 adolescent participants processed the arguments, storylines, and audio and visual elements in anti-marijuana PSAs. Three types of processing--cognitive, narrative, and sensory--were investigated. The findings suggest that perceived message sensation value is influential in mitigating the inhibiting influence of personal involvement among high sensation seekers on message processing. The practical and theoretical implications of these findings are discussed.

A study has revealed that sensation seeking is a personality variable that has been found to be strongly related to drug use and preferences for highly arousing TV ads and programs among adolescents and young adults. This has been used as a basis for the formulation of anti-marijuana campaigns launched by the government. Such public service campaigns have been launched due to the rising number of adolescents using and abusing marijuana. The sensation seeking targeting approach in drug prevention media campaigns is also discussed.

To purchase or authenticate to the full-text of this article, please visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1460-2466.2006.00282.x Byline: Michael T Stephenson (1), Brian G Southwell (2) Abstract: The Activation Model of Information Exposure highlights the potential for individual differences in arousal in response to information, as well as the consequences of these patterns for information processing and seeking. Over the past 2 decades, the theoretical approach has generated considerable research in health communication. Most applications, however, have focused on substance use among adolescents and young adults. In this article, we assess the relevance of the activation approach for cancer communication. Although a wide range of communication efforts related to cancer prevention and treatment stand to benefit from acknowledgement of individual differences in optimal levels of arousal, we also acknowledge issues and challenges that remain for work on the Activation Model and sensation seeking. In reaching this conclusion, we explore some limitations of the Activation Model in its current form and point to new directions for future research. Author Affiliation: (1)Department of Communication, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-4234 (2)School of Journalism and Mass Communication, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455 Article note: Michael T. Stephenson; e-mail: mstephenson@tamu.edu.