What Is the Truth? An Application of the Extended Parallel Process Model to Televised Truth® Ads

Nicole R. LaVoie, Brian L. Quick

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyze television ads in the truth® campaign using the Extended Parallel Process Model (EPPM) as a framework. Among the ads (n = 86) analyzed, results revealed a heavy reliance on severity messages, modest attention to susceptibility messages, and no inclusion of recommended response messages in the form of self-efficacy and response efficacy. The reliance on emphasizing the health threat, without incorporating recommended response messages, is discussed with respect to the likelihood of galvanizing maladaptive responses such as psychological reactance, denial, and defensive avoidance resulting from exposure to these ads. Additionally, the unintended outcomes for secondary audiences including but not limited to stigma are considered. Implications and suggestions for practitioners and theorists are explored.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)53-62
Number of pages10
JournalHealth communication
Volume28
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2013

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Health(social science)
  • Communication

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'What Is the Truth? An Application of the Extended Parallel Process Model to Televised Truth® Ads'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this