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Framing of nutrition education messages in persuading consumers of the advantages of a healthy diet
Author(s) -
Van Assema P.,
Martens M.,
Ruiter R. A. C.,
Brug J.
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
journal of human nutrition and dietetics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.951
H-Index - 70
eISSN - 1365-277X
pISSN - 0952-3871
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-277x.2001.00315.x
Subject(s) - medicine , framing (construction) , cognition , positive attitude , healthy eating , social psychology , developmental psychology , physical activity , psychology , psychiatry , physical therapy , structural engineering , engineering
Background Educational dietary messages can stress either the positive consequences of performing a recommended dietary behaviour (positive frame) or the negative consequences of not performing a recommended dietary behaviour (negative frame). From studies on other health behaviours, there is evidence that positive frames have a stronger impact in encouraging preventive behaviours than negative frames. The main hypothesis of the present study was therefore that positively framed messages on eating a low‐fat diet and eating enough fruit and vegetables (F & V) are more persuasive than negatively framed messages. Methods In a 2 (Frame: positive vs. negative) × 2 (Dietary behaviour: fat vs. F & V) design, 152 adult respondents randomly received one of four messages. Subsequently, they completed a questionnaire measuring cognitive attitude, affective attitude and intention to change the dietary behaviours. Results No significant differences in attitudes and intentions were found between the positive frame conditions and the negative frame conditions. Conclusions Based on the current study no advice can be given yet to dietitians and other nutrition educators about whether they should emphasize the positive consequences of a dietary change or the negative consequences of not making the dietary change.