Health Communication| Who Cares What Others Think? The Role of Latinas’ Acculturation in the Processing of HPV Vaccination Narrative Messages

Authors

  • Nathan Walter Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, University of Southern California
  • Sheila T. Murphy Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, University of Southern California
  • Lauren B. Frank Department of Communication, Portland State University
  • Lourdes Baezconde-Garbanati Institute of Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Research, Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California

Keywords:

narrative persuasion, acculturation, social norms, HPV vaccine, Latinas

Abstract

This study investigated the role played by level of acculturation in the effect of narrative persuasion on health-related outcomes. A random sample of 186 Mexican American females watched either a narrative designed to increase human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine uptake or an equivalent nonnarrative film. While message format failed to exert a direct effect on vaccination norms and behavioral intent, participants’ level of acculturation played an important role in the processing of the message. Specifically, when treating acculturation as a moderator, consistent effects emerged for less acculturated Latinas on various research outcomes, including descriptive and injunctive norms regarding HPV vaccine uptake. These findings extend the discussion on health communication through storytelling by calling attention to the importance of cultural factors in the framework of narrative persuasion.    

Author Biographies

Nathan Walter, Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, University of Southern California

PhD Student626-390-1833

Sheila T. Murphy, Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, University of Southern California

Professor213-740-0945

Lauren B. Frank, Department of Communication, Portland State University

Assistant Professor503-725-3575

Lourdes Baezconde-Garbanati, Institute of Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Research, Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California

Professor323-442-8231

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Published

2017-11-20

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Section

Special Sections