title: A Tale of Two Stories: An Exploration of Identification, Message Recall, and Narrative Preferences Among Low-Income, Mexican American Women.
abstract: Additional research is needed to guide the design of narratives for use in practice-oriented, naturalistic settings to maximize health behavior change, particularly among populations affected by health disparities. This mixed-methods study explored the influence of cultural tailoring and emotional arousal on identification and message recall in narratives promoting childhood obesity prevention among 40 Mexican American mothers. Participants were also asked about narrative exposure, narrative preferences, and beliefs about the purpose of a story. Participants were randomly assigned to listen to two stories: (a) a story tailored on noncultural or cultural variables, and (b) a story designed to enhance or minimize emotional arousal. Participants reported high engagement and identification with all stories. Participants generally envisioned protagonists as Latina, despite limited cues, and identified with protagonists in four ways: sharing personal characteristics; having similar thoughts and feelings; engaging in similar actions; and experiencing similar situations. Mothers were most interested in narratives that helped them to improve their lives. Findings from this study yield several hypotheses for consideration in future study, including ways in which story setting and message enactment may moderate message recall.
authors: a Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior , University of South Carolina.
authors: Rachel E
authors: RE
authors: Davis
authors: b Department of Communication Studies , University of Michigan.
authors: Sonya
authors: S
authors: Dal Cin
authors: c Department of Nutritional Sciences, School of Public Health , University of Michigan.
authors: Suzanne M
authors: SM
authors: Cole
authors: d Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior , University of South Carolina.
authors: Ligia I
authors: LI
authors: Reyes
authors: e The Community Health and Social Services Center, Inc .
authors: Shannon J
authors: SJ
authors: McKenney-Shubert
authors: f Department of Epidemiology , University of Michigan.
authors: Nancy L
authors: 0000-0002-4371-9133
authors: NL
authors: Fleischer
authors: g School of Kinesiology , University of Michigan.
authors: Lynna Chung
authors: LC
authors: Densen
authors: h Department of Nutritional Sciences , University of Michigan.
authors: Karen E
authors: KE
authors: Peterson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002675:Child, Preschool; D054521:Cultural Competency; D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D011939:Mental Recall; D017058:Mexican Americans / Q000523:psychology*; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*; D033262:Narration; D063766:Pediatric Obesity / Q000517:prevention & control; D011203:Poverty