An experimental test to reveal negative side-effects of high treatability information on preventative health behaviour. Issue 8 (3rd August 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wu, Yingqiu; Dijkstra, Arie; Dalley, Simon E.; Roerink, Florentine S.
• Is Part Of: Psychology & health. Volume 33:Issue 8(2018)
• Page Start: 1028
• Page End: 1048
• Publication Date: 2018-08-03
• Subjects: treatability -- susceptibility -- preventative health motivation -- (family) history of a disease -- self-efficacy; Clinical health psychology -- Periodicals; Attitude to Health -- Periodicals; Public Opinion -- Periodicals; Psychology -- Periodicals; 150
• DOI: 10.1080/08870446.2018.1456290
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0887-0446

Abstract

Abstract : Objectives: When the course of a disease can be positively changed by health professionals the disease can be indicated as 'highly treatable'. This 'high treatability information' (HTI) may have negative side-effects on people's preventative motivation. This study examined the effects of HTI regarding skin cancer on preventative motivation. Design: This study employed a 2 (high treatability (HTI) versus low treatability (LTI)) × 2 (high versus low susceptibility)−experiment with a hanging control group. (family) History and self-efficacy were assessed as moderators. Participants ( N = 309) were randomly assigned to one of the five conditions. Main outcome measures: The main outcome was intention to engage in preventative actions regarding skin cancer. Results: HTI significantly lowered the intention compared to LTI, under the condition of high susceptibility in people with low self-efficacy. In addition, in people with a (family) history of skin cancer, HTI significantly lowered the intention compared to the no-information group. Conclusion: HTI regarding skin cancer can cause a drop in the preventative motivation. The effects can be conceptualised as negative side-effects of HTI. As substantial proportions of the general population have a (family) history of skin cancer or low self-efficacy, the side-effects may be widespread, possibly increasing the incidence of skin cancer.