Effects of self-affirmation, narratives, and informational messages in reducing unrealistic optimism about alcohol-related problems among college students

• Main Authors: Kim, Hye Kyung, Niederdeppe, Jeff
• Other Authors: Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: 2018
• Subjects: DRNTU::Library and information science; Heavy Episodic Drinking; Unrealistic Optimism
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/87851; http://hdl.handle.net/10220/46845
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

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.