This may come as a surprise: how prior knowledge of information in a fear appeal is associated with message outcomes

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Periodical article

Title:	This may come as a surprise: how prior knowledge of information in a fear appeal is associated with message outcomes
Authors:	Davis, Burt Jansen, Carel
Year:	2016
Periodical:	Communicatio: South African journal for communication theory and research (ISSN 1753-5379)
Volume:	42
Issue:	3
Pages:	398-421
Language:	English
Geographic term:	South Africa
Subjects:	alcoholism infectious diseases communication
External link:	https://doi.org/10.1080/02500167.2016.1209536
Abstract:	Two related studies were performed aimed at finding if and how prior knowledge of threat and efficacy information in a fear appeal message is associated with message outcomes (attitude and behavioural intentions). The extended Parallel Process model (ePPm) (Witte 1992; 1998) served as theoretical framework for one study about a chlamydia fear appeal (n = 57) and another about an alcohol abuse fear appeal (n = 59). Findings from both studies suggest that prior knowledge of threat information is hardly relevant for readers' reactions to a fear appeal message. Prior knowledge of efficacy information, however, proved to play a more important role, most often in a positive way. Findings from both studies furthermore suggest that the ePPm may be incorrect in assuming that individual differences - in this case, in prior knowledge - may only affect fear appeal outcomes in an indirect way, that is through different perceptions of threat and efficacy. Bibliogr., notes, ref., sum. [Journal abstract]