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    Effects of fear appeals on communicating potential health risks of unregulated dietary supplements to college students

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    Kim Effects of Fear Appeals.pdf (451.9Kb)
    Links to Files
    https://doi.org/10.1080/19325037.2014.932726
    Permanent Link
    10.1080/19325037.2014.932726
    http://hdl.handle.net/11603/24475
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    • Kim, Hyang-Sook
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    Author/Creator
    Kim, Hyang-Sook
    Sheffield, Donna
    Almutairi, Talal M.
    Author/Creator ORCID
    https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5650-5505
    Date
    2014-08-30
    Type of Work
    application/pdf
    11 pages
    Text
    journal articles
    Department
    Towson University. Department of Mass Communication
    Citation of Original Publication
    Kim, H-S., Sheffield, D., & Almutairi, T. (2014). Effects of fear appeals on communicating potential health risks of unregulated dietary supplements to college students. American Journal of Health Education, 45 (5), 308-315. https://doi.org/10.1080/19325037.2014.932726
    Subjects
    College students -- Drug use
    Dietary supplements
    Fear
    Health education
    Abstract
    Background: Fear appeals are commonly used in health communication to reduce risk. It is not clear, however, whether familiarity with a health topic can lessen the threat intended. The use of unregulated dietary supplements among young adults is one such area that needs study. Purpose: The study examined the effect of fear appeals on self-protective behavior when college students were informed of the risks of consuming the dietary supplement creatine. It focused on students’ responses to fear appeals that varied depending on their familiarity with the product. Methods: Students were assigned to one of 3 groups based on familiarity with creatine. A total of 121 college students viewed advertisements depicting creatine consumption side effects, followed by the main questionnaire including perceived risk, attitudes, and behavioral intention measures. Results: Fear appeal messages were most effective for those least familiar with creatine. Discussion: Familiarity based on previous experience is a factor that must be considered when presenting threatening health information. Translation to Health Education Practice: Health educators and practitioners should inform young adults about risks and proper consumption of dietary supplements before they develop a strong disposition toward the product without accurate knowledge of proper dose and potential side effects.


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    Towson University
    8000 York Road
    Towson, Maryland 21252

    Website:
    www.towson.edu

    Contact Info:
    azukowski@towson.edu
    410-704-5318
    http://libraries.towson.edu/md-soar


    If you wish to submit a copyright complaint or withdrawal request, please email mdsoar-help@umd.edu.