title: Effects of and attention to graphic warning labels on cigarette packages.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The present study investigates the effects of graphic cigarette warnings compared to text-only cigarette warnings on smokers' explicit (i.e. ratings of the packages, cognitions about smoking, perceived health risk, quit intentions) and implicit attitudes. In addition, participants' visual attention towards the graphic warnings was recorded using eye-tracking methodology.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sixty-three smokers participated in the present study and either viewed graphic cigarette warnings with aversive and non-aversive images or text-only warnings. Data were analysed using analysis of variance and correlation analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Especially, graphic cigarette warnings with aversive content drew attention and elicited high threat. However, whereas attention directed to the textual information of the graphic warnings predicted smokers' risk perceptions, attention directed to the images of the graphic warnings did not. Moreover, smokers' in the graphic warning condition reported more positive cognitions about smoking, thus revealing cognitive dissonance.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Smokers employ defensive psychological mechanisms when confronted with threatening warnings. Although aversive images attract attention, they do not promote health knowledge. Implications for graphic health warnings and the importance of taking their content (i.e. aversive vs. non-aversive images) into account are discussed.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Psychology , University of Marburg , Marburg , Germany .
authors.forename: Philipp
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Süssenbach
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Niemeier
authors.forename: Sabine
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Glock
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001288:Attention; D001294:Attitude to Health; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D033182:Intention; D008297:Male; D011356:Product Labeling / Q000379:methods*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012907:Smoking / Q000523:psychology*; D016540:Smoking Cessation / Q000523:psychology; D000074606:Smoking Prevention; D055815:Young Adult