Narratives that address affective forecasting errors reduce perceived barriers to colorectal cancer screening

Abstract

Narratives from similar others may be an effective way to increase important health behaviors. In this study, we used a narrative intervention to promote colorectal cancer screening. Researchers have suggested that people may overestimate barriers to colorectal cancer screening. We recruited participants from the US, ages 49–60 who had never previously been screened for colorectal cancer, to read an educational message about screening for the disease. One-half of participants were randomly assigned to also receive a narrative within the message (control participants did not receive a narrative). The narrative intervention was developed according to predictions of affective forecasting theory. Compared to participants who received only the educational message, participants who received the message along with a narrative reported that the barriers to screening would have less of an impact on a future screening experience. The narrative also increased risk perception for colorectal cancer and interest in screening in the next year.

Testing innovative strategies to reduce the social gradient in the uptake of bowel cancer screening: a programme of four qualitatively enhanced randomised controlled trials

“…162,172,174,[176][177][178] An introductory question was asked to encourage or remind the participant to read the information material sent to them prior to beginning the questionnaire: 'Have you read the orange booklet, "Bowel Cancer Screening: The Facts" found inside the NHS envelope?'. The intervention group were also asked the same question in relation to the narrative leaflet.…”

“…Presenting information in a narrative format is becoming a popular form of health communication and has shown encouraging results in the science literature. 156,158 Dillard et al 162 found that by integrating a short narrative to non-narrative factual information, the anticipated impact of barriers to screening (via colonoscopy) was reduced, while perceived personal risk and intention to have a colonoscopy were enhanced. 162 The inclusion of a bowel cancer screening narrative has also been found to increase colonoscopy attendance fourfold when compared with providing non-narrative information only.…”

“…[159][160][161] Intentions to take part in such health-promoting activities have been found to be higher after exposure to narrative information compared with either statistical information or no information at all. In a US-based study by Dillard et al, 162 incorporating narratives into information about bowel cancer screening increased perceived personal risk of bowel cancer. This was a positive result in accordance with theoretical models of behaviour change such as the Extended Parallel Processing Model 163 and the Health Belief Model, 164 which assert that people need to consider themselves susceptible to a disease in order to 'motivate' preventative behaviours.…”

“…Consequently, narratives were found to significantly increase interest in receiving a colonoscopy. 162 A more recent US study 165 reported that individuals presented with a bowel cancer screening information leaflet containing a narrative were four times more likely to participate in bowel cancer screening than those given information without a narrative. The impact of narrative information with regard to beliefs about DOI: 10.3310/pgfar05080 PROGRAMME GRANTS FOR APPLIED RESEARCH 2017 VOL.…”

Understanding physical activity in spinal cord injury rehabilitation: translating and communicating research through stories

“…Although the use of stories as a means to behavioural change remains an emerging innovation, the limited existing research is encouraging. For example, intervention groups exposed to informative and persuasive personal narratives have demonstrated increased intentions to quit smoking [46] and reduced perception of barriers to cancer screening [47]. Critically, neither "increased intentions" nor "reduced perceptions of barriers" constitute the Holy Grail of behavioural change, albeit they are useful predictors.…”