Worry as a motivator: The impact of dispositional cancer worry, perceived behavioral control, risk perceptions, and coping styles on engagement in a breast cancer prevention campaign
Abstract
The American Cancer Society (2008) states that one half of all new incidences of cancer are cancers that can be prevented or detected early and then, successfully treated. According to the National Cancer Institute (2008), one method of reducing cancer incidence is to use communication to educate individuals, as well as, to motivate them to seek out further information about cancer prevention. Nonetheless, individuals differ on a how they react psychologically to messages, which creates obstacles for successful cancer communication campaigns. This research investigates four individual difference variables (dispositional cancer worry, perceived behavioral control over breast cancer risk, perceived breast cancer risk, and monitoring/blunting coping style in the face of stress) and how these constructs may motivate and/or hinder engagement in a breast cancer prevention campaign that recommends physical activity. Results show that dispositional cancer worriers tended to seek out more breast cancer prevention information than non-worriers. In addition, perceived behavioral control predicted increased exercise and information-seeking, as well. Physical activity measurement issues are discussed, as well as implications for health communication campaign message-tailoring.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Sparks, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Communication|Health education
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