Effects of self-affirmation, narratives, and informational messages in reducing unrealistic optimism about alcohol-related problems among college students
This study examines intervention approaches to improve the accuracy of risk judgments among college students with unrealistic optimism about alcohol-related problems. We conducted a randomized experiment with 2 self-affirmation (affirmed, nonaffirmed) and 3 message conditions (narrative, information...
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| Main Authors: | , |
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| Other Authors: | |
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
2018
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://hdl.handle.net/10356/87851 http://hdl.handle.net/10220/46845 |
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| Institution: | Nanyang Technological University |
| Language: | English |
| Summary: | This study examines intervention approaches to improve the accuracy of risk judgments among college students with unrealistic optimism about alcohol-related problems. We conducted a randomized experiment with 2 self-affirmation (affirmed, nonaffirmed) and 3 message conditions (narrative, informational, no treatment control). Results indicate that providing risk information to unrealistic optimists, while concomitantly protecting their self-concept via either self-affirmation or narratives, may reduce defensive reactions and align their perceived risk more closely with their actual risk. Self-affirmation reduced unrealistic optimism only among those exposed to an informational message, not those exposed to a narrative. The narrative message appeared to increase perceived risk among unrealistic optimists via transportation and identification with the character. We discuss theoretical and practical implications of this work. |
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