OBJECTIVE: The present study investigates the effects of graphic cigarette warnings compared to text-only cigarette warnings on smokers' explicit (i.e. ratings of the packages, cognitions about smoking, perceived health risk, quit intentions) and implicit attitudes. In addition, participants' visual attention towards the graphic warnings was recorded using eye-tracking methodology. DESIGN AND METHODS: Sixty-three smokers participated in the present study and either viewed graphic cigarette warnings with aversive and non-aversive images or text-only warnings. Data were analysed using analysis of variance and correlation analysis. RESULTS: Especially, graphic cigarette warnings with aversive content drew attention and elicited high threat. However, whereas attention directed to the textual information of the graphic warnings predicted smokers' risk perceptions, attention directed to the images of the graphic warnings did not. Moreover, smokers' in the graphic warning condition reported more positive cognitions about smoking, thus revealing cognitive dissonance. CONCLUSION: Smokers employ defensive psychological mechanisms when confronted with threatening warnings. Although aversive images attract attention, they do not promote health knowledge. Implications for graphic health warnings and the importance of taking their content (i.e. aversive vs. non-aversive images) into account are discussed.
OBJECTIVE: The present study investigates the effects of graphic cigarette warnings compared to text-only cigarette warnings on smokers' explicit (i.e. ratings of the packages, cognitions about smoking, perceived health risk, quit intentions) and implicit attitudes. In addition, participants' visual attention towards the graphic warnings was recorded using eye-tracking methodology. DESIGN AND METHODS: Sixty-three smokers participated in the present study and either viewed graphic cigarette warnings with aversive and non-aversive images or text-only warnings. Data were analysed using analysis of variance and correlation analysis. RESULTS: Especially, graphic cigarette warnings with aversive content drew attention and elicited high threat. However, whereas attention directed to the textual information of the graphic warnings predicted smokers' risk perceptions, attention directed to the images of the graphic warnings did not. Moreover, smokers' in the graphic warning condition reported more positive cognitions about smoking, thus revealing cognitive dissonance. CONCLUSION: Smokers employ defensive psychological mechanisms when confronted with threatening warnings. Although aversive images attract attention, they do not promote health knowledge. Implications for graphic health warnings and the importance of taking their content (i.e. aversive vs. non-aversive images) into account are discussed.
Authors: William G Shadel; Steven C Martino; Claude M Setodji; Michael Dunbar; Deborah Scharf; Kasey G Creswell Journal: Health Educ Res Date: 2019-06-01
Authors: Amy McQueen; Erika A Waters; Kimberly A Kaphingst; Charlene A Caburnay; Vetta L Sanders Thompson; Sonia Boyum; Matthew W Kreuter Journal: J Health Commun Date: 2016-07-13
Authors: Amy McQueen; Matthew W Kreuter; Sonia Boyum; Vetta S Thompson; Charlene A Caburnay; Erika A Waters; Kimberly A Kaphingst; Suchitra Rath; Qiang Fu Journal: Nicotine Tob Res Date: 2015-01-14 Impact factor: 4.244
Authors: Elizabeth G Klein; Abigail B Shoben; Sarah Krygowski; Amy Ferketich; Micah Berman; Ellen Peters; Unnava Rao; Mary Ellen Wewers Journal: Tob Regul Sci Date: 2015-07-01
Authors: Elizabeth G Klein; Amanda J Quisenberry; Abigail B Shoben; Sarah Cooper; Amy K Ferketich; Micah Berman; Ellen Peters; Mary Ellen Wewers Journal: Nicotine Tob Res Date: 2017-10-01 Impact factor: 4.244