Abstract
Objective To test the effect of autonomy-supportive message framing on people's perceived autonomy-support while considering the individual need for autonomy as a moderator. Also, to test whether autonomy-supportive message frames - through increased perceived autonomy-support - lead to more self-determined motivation, and increased intention to quit smoking. Design An online 2(autonomy-supportive; controlling language) x 2(choice; no choice) between-subjects design with control condition (generic advice) with adult smokers intending to quit (N = 626). Main outcome Intention to quit smoking (Theory of Planned Behaviour). Measures Perceived autonomy-support (Virtual Climate Care Questionnaire), need for autonomy (Health Causality Orientations Scale), self-determined motivation (Treatment Self-Regulation Questionnaire), attitudes, social influence, self-efficacy (I-Change Model). Results Structural equation modelling revealed no significant effect of autonomy-supportive-message frames on perceived autonomy-support or self-determined motivation, neither did the need for autonomy moderate these effects. Self-determined motivation had a positive, significant effect on intention to quit, mediated by attitudes, social influence, and self-efficacy. Conclusion Although message frames did not affect perceived autonomy-support or self-determined motivation, higher self-determined motivation increased intention to quit via attitudes, social influence, and self-efficacy. Before drawing the conclusion that message framing has no effect, we recommend to replicate this study in a real-life setting with smokers more likely to read and process the message frames more attentively.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 549-574 |
Number of pages | 26 |
Journal | Psychology & Health |
Volume | 36 |
Issue number | 5 |
Early online date | 4 Sept 2020 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 4 May 2021 |
Keywords
- Web-based computer-tailoring
- smoking cessation
- message framing
- autonomy-support
- need for autonomy
- SELF-DETERMINATION THEORY
- RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED-TRIAL
- PLANNED BEHAVIOR
- HEALTH BEHAVIOR
- MOTIVATION
- PROGRAM
- COMMUNICATION
- PREDICTORS
- STRATEGIES