Michael R. Kotowski

Topics and Sources of Memorable Breast Cancer Messages and Their Impact on Prevention and Detection Behaviors

Often, people are able to recall a message on a particular topic for a long period of time. These memorable messages have the ability to influence behavior when they are recalled from memory long after initial exposure. Knowing the topics and sources of the messages that are remembered about breast cancer can improve the efficacy of future breast cancer outreach. To this end, 359 women completed an online survey about memorable breast cancer messages. Most women (60%) recalled a memorable message, described it, identified its source, and noted whether it had resulted in prevention or detection behaviors. Four categories of message topics emerged: early detection (37.3%), awareness (30.9%), treatment (25.8%), and prevention (6%). Furthermore, five categories of sources of these memorable messages were found: media (35.5%), friends (22.2%), family (21.6%), medical professionals (15.2%), and others (5.5%). The media were a major source of all four topics of messages, although family members, friends, and the medical community were major sources for particular message topics as well. Memorable messages originating from medical professionals were substantially more likely to motivate detection behaviors than prevention behaviors. This research demonstrates that message topic and source both play roles in determining message recall as well as in determining how memorable messages impacted behavior.

Using the EPPM to Create and Evaluate the Effectiveness of Brochures to Increase the Use of Hearing Protection in Farmers and Landscape Workers

The extended parallel process model was employed to increase intentions to use on-the-job hearing protection among agricultural workers. Brochures were designed to increase perceptions of the threat of hearing loss and the efficacy of hearing protection to avert hearing loss. Brochures were presented to one half of the sample in each population (farmers and landscapers), and a questionnaire was administered assessing perceptions of threat, efficacy, and intentions. The other half of each sample completed the questionnaire, and then received brochures. Results indicated that farmers were initially high in threat and efficacy perceptions, but brochure exposure resulted in higher intentions to use hearing protection. Landscapers perceived higher threat, efficacy, and intentions after being presented with the brochure. Results are discussed in terms of future research and practical application.

Action tendency emotions evoked by memorable breast cancer messages and their association with prevention and detection behaviors

Memorable messages about breast cancer sent by different sources, such as friends and family members, were analyzed for the action tendency emotions that they evoked. Negative emotions of fear, sadness, and anger, and positive emotions of hope and relief were analyzed for their associations with prevention and detection breast cancer behaviors. Messages that evoked fear were significantly more likely to be associated with detection behaviors, whereas messages that evoked relief were significantly less likely to be associated with detection behaviors than messages that did not evoke these emotions. These results are consistent with control theory and also show that friends and family are important sources of memorable messages about breast cancer.

A Multitrait–Multimethod Validity Assessment of the Verbal Aggressiveness and Argumentativeness Scales

The construct validity of Infante and Wigleys verbal aggressiveness scale and Infante and Rancers argumentativeness scale are assessed with confirmatory factor analysis and multitrait–multimethod analysis. The factor analytic data replicate previous findings that the verbal aggressiveness scale measures two constructs, verbal aggressiveness and verbal benevolence communication style, and that the argumentativeness scale is unidimensional with some poor items. The multimethod data, however, show near zero correlations between self-reports and observed behavior and evidence of method variance. These data indicate a discrepancy between conceptual definitions and behaviors. Rather than measuring behavioral dispositions to communicate argumentatively or aggressively, the scales may function as attitude or self-concept scales.

The effectiveness of an altruistic appeal in the presence and absence of favors

A substantial corpus of research examining the norm of reciprocity leads to the prediction that doing a favor for another will enhance the probability that that other will comply with a subsequent request made by the favor provider. Experiments have reported data consistent with this prediction, but in these experiments the requests have been pro-social. Other dynamics may be involved, however, when the request is anti-social. Additionally, particular kinds of messages might prove more effective in gaining compliance with an anti-social request. Specifically, following research on the fundamental attribution error it is predicted that altruism messages are more likely to be effective in such circumstances. An experiment was conducted to test these ideas. No evidence of an effect of the norm of reciprocity was observed, and the altruism message was found to be more effective than a direct request message. Unexpectedly, a large sex difference emerged in a direction opposite to that reported in reviews of sex differences, i.e., males were more compliant than females.

A Meta-Analysis of Trait-Behavior Correlations in Argumentativeness and Verbal Aggression

This article addresses controversy over the validity of two popular scales used to measure trait argumentativeness and verbal aggressiveness. The first half of the article offers a rejoinder to the Infante, Rancer, and Wigley article. It is argued that original conceptualizations of the scales are logically incoherent and lack empirical correspondence with research findings. The second part of the article offers a meta-analysis of scale–behavior and –nonbehavioral associations. The results show that research testing scale–behavior convergence is sparse and that the little research that currently exists is inconsistent with convergent and predictive validity. The Infante scales correlate consistently and to a greater extent with self-reported communication than with actual behavior, suggesting that the scales assess cognitive–affective rather than communication behavior tendencies.

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

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.

Using the Extended Parallel Process Model to create and evaluate the effectiveness of brochures to reduce the risk for noise-induced hearing loss in college students

Brochures containing messages developed according to the Extended Parallel Process Model were deployed to increase intentions to use hearing protection for college students. These brochures were presented to one-half of a college student sample, after which a questionnaire was administered to assess perceptions of threat, efficacy, and behavioral intentions. The other half of the sample completed the questionnaire and then received brochures. Results indicated that people receiving the brochure before the questionnaire reported greater perceptions of hearing loss threat and efficacy to use ear plugs when in loud environments, however, intentions to use ear plugs were unchanged. Distribution of the brochure also resulted in greater perceptions of hearing loss threat and efficacy to use over-the-ear headphones when using devices such as MP3 players. In this case, however, intentions to use over-the-ear headphones increased. Results are discussed in terms of future research and practical applications.

Measuring Cancer Clinical Trial Understanding

Researchers, practitioners, and participants in cancer clinical trials must have a clear understanding of clinical trials if participation in them is to be solicited ethically and effectively. A valid and reliable measure of cancer clinical trial understanding did not exist prior to a 2005 study conducted for the Coalition of Cooperative Cancer Groups. This report outlines a measure derived from that study, discusses the rationale for its component items, examines its psychometric properties, and demonstrates the relationship of this measure to the enrollment decision. Data from national samples of cancer survivors and the general public demonstrate the measures validity and reliability. Results are discussed as they relate to patient understanding of clinical trials, informed decision making, and health communication processes.

An Evaluation of the Peer Helper Component of Go !: A Multimessage, Multi-“step” Obesity Prevention Intervention

Background Obesity prevention efforts typically involve changing eating and exercise behaviors as well as the physical and social environment in which those behaviors occur. Due to existing social networks, worksites are a logical choice for implementing such interventions. Purpose This article describes the development and implementation of a peer helper intervention, which was part of a multicomponent obesity prevention program conducted at a hospital worksite. It also presents qualitative evaluation findings of peer helper perceptions, roles, and institutional outcomes. Methods Fifty-one male and female employees were recruited to promote healthy eating and physical activity amongst their peers. They received health and communication skill-building training. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 20 peer helpers to evaluate this component of the intervention. Results Findings showed that peer helpers took on many helping roles, became effective role models, and contributed to creating health-promoting social and environmental changes at work. Discussion We found evidence for synergies between the peer helper component and other components of the campaign and present recommendations and questions related to best practices for peer helper interventions at worksites. Translation to Health Education Practice Training on the use of peer helpers and the incorporation of peer helper components into interventions is needed.