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Morality or competence? The importance of affirming the appropriate dimension of self-integrity
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-09, 02:05 authored by Donna JessopDonna Jessop, Paul Sparks, Laura Jessop, Lauren Dodds, Sarah LynchObjectives: Two studies explored the relative efficacy of a morality-based versus a competence-based self-affirmation manipulation at increasing acceptance of personally relevant health-risk information. In accordance with prior theorising (e.g., Cohen & Sherman, 2014), it was hypothesized that the morality affirmation would be more effective than the competence affirmation in such contexts, as the former targets a different domain to that threatened by the health-risk information. Design: Both studies employed a cross-sectional experimental design. Methods: Participants were presented with a morality affirmation, competence affirmation or no affirmation control prior to reading a message about the risks of (a) not engaging in daily dental flossing (Study 1) and (b) red meat consumption (Study 2). Participants subsequently completed a number of measures assessing acceptance of the message. Results: In line with predictions, findings from both studies demonstrated that the morality affirmation precipitated greater acceptance of personally relevant health-risk information compared to the competence affirmation, as reflected in more positive attitudes (Studies 1 and 2) and intentions (Study 1). Study 2’s findings further suggested that the superior efficacy of the morality affirmation in health-related contexts could not simply be attributed to a general tendency for this affirmation to outperform the competence affirmation. Conclusions: The nature of the value affirmed may be a critical factor in determining the success of self-affirmation manipulations in health-related domains.
History
Publication status
- Published
File Version
- Accepted version
Journal
British Journal of Health PsychologyISSN
1359-107XPublisher
British Psychological SocietyExternal DOI
Issue
4Volume
21Page range
956-972Department affiliated with
- Psychology Publications
Full text available
- Yes
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2016-07-11First Open Access (FOA) Date
2017-06-25First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date
2016-07-11Usage metrics
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