Does it matter who’s at risk?: Testing message framing and narrative as moderators of the effects of self-referencing in obesity prevention messages targeting Hispanic adults living in the U.S.

Abstract

This study tested whether the effect of self-referencing in a health-marketing message was amplified or attenuated when combined with message framing and narrative. Hispanic adults (N = 146) were randomly assigned to read and respond to an obesity prevention message. Self-referencing messages generated greater cognitive elaboration but only when placed in a narrative. Conversely, self-referencing messages highlighting health risks of obesity produced higher levels of involvement and intention to increase physical activity and healthy eating. Health marketing professionals can use these findings to enhance the effectiveness of obesity prevention messages that target Hispanic adults.

Keywords:

• Message framing
• healthy eating
• Hispanic adults
• narrative
• persuasion
• physical activity
• self-referencing

Notes

Notes

1 Only data from participants who self-identified as Hispanic, Latino/a, Chicano/a, and/or Mexican or Mexican-American were included in this study.

2 Details of the stimulus development and pretest are available by contacting the first author.

3 Two iPads were awarded after the data collection. One entry from each location was randomly chosen. Both winners were contacted successfully and both received an iPad.