An Initial Investigation Into Naturally Occurring Loss- and Gain-Framed Memorable Breast Cancer Messages

Abstract

Memorable message research examines interpersonal messages “ … remembered for extremely long periods of time and which people perceive as a major influence on the course of their lives” (Knapp, Stohl, & Reardon, 1981, p. 27). They can also guide actions, such as health behaviors. This exploratory research examined self-reported memorable messages about breast cancer to determine if they were framed, emphasizing either the benefits (gain-framed) or the costs (loss-framed) of a behavior. About one-fourth of the messages were framed, with most being gain-framed. The messages tended to emphasize early detection actions. Study limitations and implications for future research are discussed.

Keywords:

• Breast Cancer
• Memorable Messages
• Message Framing

Acknowledgments

This publication was made possible by the Breast Cancer and the Environment Research Centers Grant No. U01 ES/CA 012771 from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), the National Cancer Institute (NCI), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the Department of Health & Human Services. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the NIEHS, NCI, or NIH.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Carolyn Lauckner

Carolyn Lauckner (B.A., Michigan State University, 2010) is a Doctoral Student in the Department of Telecommunication, Information Studies, and Media at Michigan State University.

Sandi Smith

Sandi Smith (Ph.D., University of Southern California, 1986) is a Professor in the Department of Communication Arts & Sciences and Director of the Health and Risk Communication Center at Michigan State University.

Michael Kotowski

Michael Kotowski (Ph.D., Michigan State University, 2007) is an Assistant Professor in the School of Communication Studies at the University of Tennessee.

Samantha Nazione

Samantha Nazione (M.A., Michigan State University, 2009) is a Doctoral Student in the Department of Communication at Michigan State University.

Cynthia Stohl

Cynthia Stohl (Ph.D., Purdue University, 1982) is a Professor in the Department of Communication at the University of California–Santa Barbara.

Abby Prestin

Abby Prestin (Ph.D., University of California—Santa Barbara, 2012) is a Postdoctoral Fellow at the National Institutes of Health/National Cancer Center.

Jiyeon So

Jiyeon So (M.A., Purdue University, 2007) is a Doctoral Student in the Department of Communication at the University of California–Santa Barbara.

Robin Nabi

Robin Nabi (Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania, 1998) is a Professor and Graduate Advisor in the Department of Communication at the University of California–Santa Barbara.