Fear arousal, persuasion, and actual versus implied behavioral change: New perspective utilizing a real-life dental hygiene program.

Results suggest that elaborated recommendations and positive affect were most effective in changing actual behavior, but that high fear and recommendations only were the mosteffective in changing reported behavior.

Abstract

In three junior high schools, students were exposed to high fear arousal, moderate fear arousal, positive affect arousal, elaborated recommendations only, and brief recommendations only directed at improving toothbrushing behavior. Criterion measures of information, anxiety, intention to behave, self-report of behavior, and a new chemical indicator of actual toothbrushing behavior were administered precommunication, immediately postcommunication, S-days postcommunication, and 6-weeks postcommunication. Results suggest that elaborated recommendations and positive affect were most effective in changing actual behavior, but that high fear and recommendations only were the most effective in changing reported behavior. Effects of all conditions were attenuated over time.