This PhD project focuses on the relationship between exposure to specific persuasive health communication and mental well-being. More specifically, our aim is to explore the relationship between exposure to specific message characteristics (like fear or conflicting information) and subsequent mental well-being and the role of mental well-being before exposure to a specific message in its processing. Furthermore, we will examine the role of social media interactions in processing of specific persuasive health messages. For instance, could it be that interacting (e.g., sharing or liking) with a persuasive health message on social media buffers the negative effects of exposure on mental well-being? Or could it amplify them? And what does that mean for the effectiveness of the message?
This three-year PhD project will use a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods. The insights will inform governments, health organizations and other health communication professionals on the optimal communication strategies that are less harmful the recipients. They will be especially beneficial in times of crises, like the recent Covid-19 pandemic, where mental well-being of the population is already at risk.
Research team:
- Špela Dolinšek (PhD student)
- Prof. Bas van den Putte
- Prof. Julia van Weert
- Dr. Corine Meppelink
- Dr. Christin Scholz
Status: Ongoing since 1 April 2022
Funding: Amsterdam School of Communication Research/ASCoR