The development of a model predicting attention to health information: why perceived control is crucial

Quirk, Frances, Pedruzzi, Rebecca, and Swinbourne, Anne (2012) The development of a model predicting attention to health information: why perceived control is crucial. In: Population health in a changing world. p. 176. From: Population Health Congress 2012: Population health in a changing world, 10 - 12 September 2012, Adelaide, Australia. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

The aim of this research was to examine the variables that aff ect attention to health information in order to develop a predictive model. Community participants (N = 330) were randomly assigned to one of two conditions that presented information about the risk of developing coronary heart disease (CHD) or the risk of being involved in a car crash. Information was both risk and neutral in valency, counterbalanced to control for order eff ects. Attention to information was measured using a surprise recall task. Other variables were measured including perceived risk, optimism, control and coping strategies. Overall, participants in the CHD condition remembered signifi cantly more risk information than participants in the road condition. Participants in the road condition endorsed signifi cantly lower beliefs in personal control perceptions while also endorsing greater beliefs in other’s control over their own road outcomes. In addition, relationships between the remaining predictors and the dependant variable may actually be curvilinear in nature and explained using perceived control. Results suggest that while perceived control is usually emphasised as integral in adopting protective behaviours they are also central to the communication of health information. These fi ndings will be discussed in light of current theories of best practice health promotion and intervention.

Item ID: 24882
Item Type: Conference Item (Abstract / Summary)
Date Deposited: 06 Feb 2013 06:33
FoR Codes: 11 MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES > 1117 Public Health and Health Services > 111712 Health Promotion @ 50%
17 PSYCHOLOGY AND COGNITIVE SCIENCES > 1701 Psychology > 170106 Health, Clinical and Counselling Psychology @ 50%
SEO Codes: 92 HEALTH > 9204 Public Health (excl. Specific Population Health) > 920401 Behaviour and Health @ 100%
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