Document Detail


Reducing Information Avoidance Through Affirmation.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  22241812     Owner:  NLM     Status:  Publisher    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
Although screening for medical problems can have health benefits, the potentially threatening nature of the results can lead people to avoid screening. In three studies, we examined whether affirming people's self-worth reduces their avoidance of medical-screening feedback. Participants completed an online risk calculator for a fictitious medical condition and then were offered a choice to receive or not receive their risk feedback. Our results showed that affirmation decreased participants' avoidance of risk feedback (Study 1) and eliminated the increased avoidance typically observed when risk feedback might obligate people to engage in undesired behavior (Study 2) and when feedback is about risk for an untreatable disease (Study 3). These findings suggest that affirmation may be an effective strategy for increasing rates of medical screening.
Authors:
Jennifer L Howell; James A Shepperd
Publication Detail:
Type:  JOURNAL ARTICLE     Date:  2012-1-12
Journal Detail:
Title:  Psychological science     Volume:  -     ISSN:  1467-9280     ISO Abbreviation:  -     Publication Date:  2012 Jan 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2012-1-13     Completed Date:  -     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  9007542     Medline TA:  Psychol Sci     Country:  -    
Other Details:
Languages:  ENG     Pagination:  -     Citation Subset:  -    
Affiliation:
University of Florida.
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