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Responding to framed health messages: Different strokes for different (handedness) folks.

Authors :
Jasper, John D.
Woolf, Jonathan
Christman, Stephen D.
Source :
Psychology & Health; Jun2014, Vol. 29 Issue 6, p671-686, 16p, 3 Charts
Publication Year :
2014

Abstract

Research has shown that strength of handedness – a proxy variable for the degree of interaction between the left and right brain hemispheres – predicts differences in a variety of cognitive domains. The present paper extends this work to message (or goal) framing effects in which persuasive health communications emphasise positive vs. negative outcomes. One hundred fifty-six participants read pamphlets containing statements emphasising either the gains of using or the losses of not using sunscreen. Replicating previous research, non-users of sunscreen were more affected by framed messages than users. However, we found a loss- rather than gain-framed advantage, and mixed (inconsistent)-handers seemed to drive these effects more so than strong (consistent)-handers. These results suggest that a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach may be inadequate in crafting effective educational messages about health behaviours, and that theories centring around one’s regulatory focus orientation as well as new methods in laterality research may be useful in reaching the widest range of individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
08870446
Volume :
29
Issue :
6
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
Psychology & Health
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
94987511
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1080/08870446.2014.881999