The role of message framing in promoting MMR vaccination: Evidence of a loss-frame advantage

Citation

Abhyankar P, O'Connor DB & Lawton R (2008) The role of message framing in promoting MMR vaccination: Evidence of a loss-frame advantage. Psychology, Health and Medicine, 13 (1), pp. 1-16. https://doi.org/10.1080/13548500701235732

Abstract
This study examined the effects of message framing on intentions to obtain the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine for one's child and investigated whether Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) and perceived outcome efficacy variables mediate and/or moderate message framing effects. One hundred and forty women read either a loss-framed or gain-framed message and then completed measures assessing their intentions to obtain the MMR vaccine for their child, and TPB and outcome efficacy variables. Exposure to the loss frame increased intentions to obtain the MMR vaccine and influenced perceptions of outcome efficacy. This suggests that outcome efficacy, but not other TPB variables may mediate framing effects within the context of MMR vaccination. Message frame, in addition to TPB variables, significantly predicted unique variance in behavioural intentions. These findings are discussed within the context of Prospect Theory, perceived risk and prevention/detection behaviours.

Keywords
Detection behaviour; outcome efficacy; perceived risk; prevention behaviour; protection motivation theory; response efficacy; Theory of Planned Behaviour; uncertainty

Journal
Psychology, Health and Medicine: Volume 13, Issue 1