How self-affirmation reduces defensive processing of threatening health information: evidence at the implicit level.
OBJECTIVE
Self-affirmation reduces defensive responses to threatening health information, but little is known about the cognitive processes instigated by self-affirmation. This study tested whether self-affirmation increases responsiveness to threatening health information at the implicit level.


METHODS
In an experimental study (N = 84), the authors presented high- (coffee drinkers) and low-relevance (noncoffee drinkers) participants with threatening health information linking caffeine consumption to health problems. Prior to reading this information, the authors manipulated self-affirmation.


METHODS
Participants completed an unobtrusive lexical decision task to measure the accessibility of threat-related cognitions and reported their perceptions of message quality and intentions to take precautions.


RESULTS
Among high-relevance participants, self-affirmation increased the accessibility of threat-related cognitions, increased perceptions of message quality, and promoted adaptive behavioral intentions.


CONCLUSIONS
The findings suggest that self-affirmation can increase implicit responsiveness to threatening health information among a target audience, that is, people for whom the health information is highly relevant.
van Koningsbruggen
Guido M
GM
Department of Social and Organizational Psychology, Utrecht University, PO Box 80140, 3508 TC Utrecht, The Netherlands. g.m.vankoningsbruggen@uu.nl
Das
Enny
E
Roskos-Ewoldsen
David R
DR
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001628:Beverages / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002110:Caffeine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003069:Coffee / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003657:Decision Making; D003674:Defense Mechanisms; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006266:Health Education; D006801:Humans; D033182:Intention; D007600:Judgment; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D012648:Self Care / Q000523:psychology*; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012945:Social Values; D055815:Young Adult
D003069:Coffee; D002110:Caffeine