Framing of nutrition education messages in persuading consumers of the advantages of a healthy diet
2001
Assema, P. van | Martens, M. | Ruiter, R.A.C. | Brug, J.
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) x 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.
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