Message-Framing Effects on Indian Females’ Mammography-Screening Intentions: Examining Moderating and Mediating Relationships

Authors

  • Christopher McKinley Montclair State University
  • Yam Limbu Montclair State University
  • C. Jayachandran Montclair State University

Keywords:

message framing, mammography screening

Abstract

This study explored how distinct intervening factors explain the impact of message-framing appeals on Indian females’ mammography-screening intentions. Contrary to prior investigations of early detection behavior, gain-framed messages were more effective at promoting mammography-screening intentions than loss-framed messages. Furthermore, results indicated that varying levels of need for cognition did not impact when gain- or loss-framed appeals were more effective, but rather how framing influenced message responses as well as message judgments. In particular, at high levels of need for cognition, gain-framed messages generated greater message attention and perceived message value than loss-framed appeals. Importantly, the findings from mediation tests revealed distinct pathways whereby both gain- and loss-framed messages indirectly influenced mammography-screening intentions. Specifically, gain-framed messages were perceived as having greater credibility and loss-framed messages induced more personal worry.

Author Biographies

Christopher McKinley, Montclair State University

Christopher J. McKinley, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor in the School of Communication and Media at Montclair State University. Dr. McKinley specializes in health communication and media effects.

Yam Limbu, Montclair State University

Yam Limbu, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor in the School of Business at Montclair State University. Dr. McKinley specializes in health communication and media effects. His research interests include pharmaceutical and healthcare marketing, consumer behavior, advertising, sales, Internet marketing, and instructional strategies.

C. Jayachandran, Montclair State University

Dr. C. Jayachandran is a professor of Marketing & International Business with teaching, research and consulting interests in internationalization of SMEs, market entry modes and marketing strategies with a focus on emerging markets.

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Published

2017-09-14

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Section

Articles