Citation

Murphy ST, Frank LB, Chatterjee JS, Baezconde-Garbanati L. J. Commun. 2013; 63(1): ePub.

Affiliation

Keck School of Medicine at USC.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, International Communication Association, Publisher John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/jcom.12007

PMID

24347679

Abstract

This research empirically tests whether using a fictional narrative produces a greater impact on health-related knowledge, attitudes, and behavioral intention than presenting the identical information in a more traditional, nonfiction, non-narrative format. European American, Mexican American, and African American women (N = 758) were surveyed before and after viewing either a narrative or non-narrative cervical cancer-related film. The narrative was more effective in increasing cervical cancer-related knowledge and attitudes. Moreover, in response to the narrative featuring Latinas, Mexican Americans were most transported, identified most with the characters, and experienced the strongest emotions. Regressions revealed that transportation, identification with specific characters, and emotion each contributed to shifts in knowledge, attitudes, and behavioral intentions. Thus, narrative formats may provide a valuable tool in reducing health disparities.

Language: en