Abstract. This study investigated the validity of the narrative engagement scale ( Busselle & Bilandzic, 2009 ) by grounding the dimensions of the scale in relationships between self-reported narrative engagement and embodied mental processes occurring during exposure. Psychophysiological measures were used to observe real-time variation in mental processes activated when individuals viewed narrative content that was manipulated in two fundamental content characteristics: cohesion and emotional content. The results of a 2 (low vs. high cohesion) × 2 (low vs. high emotional content) × 3 (video clips) mixed model repeated measures experiment showed consistent influences of cohesion and emotional content on self-reported narrative engagement as well as psychophysiological indicators (heart rate, skin conductance, corrugator activity). Confirming the hypotheses, self-reported attentional focus was related to lower levels of heart rate, while self-reported emotional engagement was positively related to corrugator activity. Both attentional focus and emotional engagement were related to increases of skin conductance levels over time. The results support the validity of the dimensional concept of narrative engagement and open further avenues for clarifying mechanisms of narrative persuasion.

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Children from disadvantaged families are particularly exposed to second hand smoke in their home environment. Using a mixed methods participatory approach, we aimed at identifying suitable media channels and appropriate content for a campaign increasing caregivers’ knowledge about the risks of second hand smoke (SHS) exposure for their children and appropriate measures for exposure reduction. In the first phase of the mixed method design, we evaluated knowledge and norms about children’s SHS and perceived barriers for avoiding it. To this end, we conducted 26 one-to-one interviews with smoking caregivers of children below the age of six years. Subsequently, we developed and illustrated core messages and identified appropriate communication channels. These were evaluated in focus group discussions by 20 of the 26 interview participants. After a final revision, 121 caregivers evaluated the campaign via an online questionnaire. Online social networks were identified as the most suitable media channel. For these, we developed animated photos with voiceovers addressing the potential consequences of SHS for children. The overall rating of the campaign messages was promising. Participants confirmed that it was important to address the issue in social media. However, sharing the pictures was considered unlikely due to the sensitive topic of the campaign, while the importance of doctors or scientists being recognizable as a source was highlighted. Employing a participatory approach, we developed an m-health campaign, which can now be disseminated in social networks to reach the target population. The effectiveness of the campaign should be evaluated.

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This study tests theoretical assumptions about how the level of narrative engagement during exposure to a television series storyline influences how viewers process scenes within the storyline. An embodied cognition approach to information processing was applied to record and interpret psychophysiological data reflecting how viewers mentally process television program narratives. Specifically, we recorded physiological data indicating the orienting response (OR) to examine viewers’ processing of narrative surprise structures. In a 4 (storyline) × 4 (order) mixed repeated measures experiment, 59 participants watched four stimulus clips including a surprising plot development while psychophysiological measures were being recorded. After about 4 to 5 minutes into the clip but before the surprising event, they were asked to indicate their level of narrative engagement. Results confirm that surprise structures do elicit ORs in viewers, and they occur regardless of the level of narrative engagement. This study highlights the potential of combining an embodied cognition approach with existing approaches to understanding how viewers process narratives and provides inspiration for future research about narrative processing and persuasion.

The aim of this study was to gain a better understanding of how fictional television shapes people's expectations about the moral workings of the real world, relying on cultivation theory and models of narrative and moral effects as theoretical frameworks. Using a cross-sectional sample of the general German adult population, this study investigated the relationship between television viewing time (overall television and three genrescrime drama, medical drama, sitcoms) and narrative engageability with three idealistic moral expectations (just world beliefs, professional altruism of doctors, tolerance of otherness). Although genre viewing was not related to idealistic moral expectations,

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