WISE INTERVENTIONS

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Detweiler et al., 1999: Promoting the benefits of using sunscreen increased the likelihood of using it

Reference:

Detweiler, J. B., Bedell, B. T., Salovey, P., Pronin, E., & Rothman, A. J. (1999). Message framing and sunscreen use: gain-framed messages motivate beach-goers. Health Psychology, 18(2), 189.
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Summary:

Based on prospect theory, which suggests that people are risk-averse in the context of gains, the authors theorized that emphasizing “gains” rather than “losses” would promote prevention behaviors like sunscreen use. Beach goers were randomized to receive a brochure that highlighted the benefits of using sunscreen (e.g., “Protect yourself from the sun and you will help yourself stay healthy”) or the potential losses of not using sunscreen (e.g., “Expose yourself to the sun and you will risk becoming sick”). Whereas 71% of those in the gain-frame condition redeemed a coupon to obtain a free sample of sunscreen, only 53% of those in the loss-frame condition did so. Additionally, those who did not intend to use sunscreen reported greater intentions to do so in the gain-frame than loss-frame condition.

Psychological Process:

What Desired Meaning is At Stake?

What is the Person Trying to Understand?

Selves (My Own and Others')

Approach to Desired Meaning

What about it?

Changing beliefs about goals

Psychological Process 2:

Need

What is the Person Trying to Understand?

What Desired Meaning is At Stake?

What Desired Meaning is At Stake?

What About it?

Approach to Desired Meaning

Approach to Desired Meaning

How?

Psychological Question Addressed

Psychological Question Addressed

Psychological Question Addressed

Psychological Process 3:

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What Desired Meaning is At Stake?

Approach to Desired Meaning

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How?

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Social Area:

Intervention Technique:

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Posted By:

Greg Walton & Timothy Wilson