Communicating Health Problems Online: An Investigation of Frame Selection and the Cognitive Effects of Health Disclosures

Authors

  • Weirui Wang Florida International University

Keywords:

narrative messages, health disclosures, frames, health behaviors

Abstract

An experiment was conducted to understand how people disclose their health experiences online and the effects of frame selection on behavioral intentions. Participants were asked to respond to a narrative or an informational message in an online discussion of a common health issue. Four original generic frames—the reconstruction, suffering, advice/support, and denial/reactance frames—were used to analyze health disclosures and the subsequent effects. The results revealed that narrative messages encouraged participants to use the advice/support frame more frequently. Those who used the advice/support frame tended to be more frequently involved in the transformation mode and reported greater intentions of engaging in the behavior that might alleviate the health problem. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

Author Biography

Weirui Wang, Florida International University

Weirui Wang (Ph.D., Pennsylvania State University) is an assistant professor in School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Florida International University. Her research interests include health communication and promotion, with an emphasis on understanding the influence of culture and new media use in health communication.Address: 3000 NE 151 ST., AC2-328, Florida International University, North Miami, FL 33180. Telephone: 3059194428.

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Published

2014-08-14

Issue

Vol. 8 (2014)

Section

Articles

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