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Cohen_2679355MastersThesis_FINAL.pdf (683.18 KB)

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

EMOTIONAL RESPONSES TO OPIOID PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS; TESTING TRAIT EMPATHY’S IMPACT ON MESSAGE PROCESSING AND ATTITUDE CHANGE

Cohen, Olivia D
http://orcid.org/0000-0003-3042-6558
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=csu1530122907056997

Abstract Details

2018, Master of Applied Communication Theory and Methodology, Cleveland State University, College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences.
Addiction to opioids, including abusing prescription pain killers and using heroin, is on a dramatic rise in the United States. Communities across the country are in the process of adapting new ways of addressing the issue, which have been met with significant opposition from the general public. This study examined the impact an individual’s trait empathy has on whether persuasive public service announcements (PSAs) dealing with opioid addiction will be processed centrally or peripherally. Empathy has evolved, growing from an emotional experience, to a cognitive ability, to a function of both emotional and cognitive elements that can work both independently and interdependently of each other (Nathanson, 2003). The Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM) suggests that motivation and ability are the determinants for whether a message will be processed centrally or peripherally. Given the dual nature of empathy, it is plausible that the emotional and cognitive elements of trait empathy could drive motivation and reinforce ability, making those individuals more likely to centrally process a message seeking to enhance attitudes toward opioid addicts. A 2 (high v low trait empathy) x 2 (high v low empathetic message) x 2 (strong v weak) between participant experiment was conducted. Outcome measures included reported empathy, stigmatized and stereotypical attitudes towards opioid addicts, and support for prosocial policies.
Cheryl Bracken (Advisor)
Richard Perloff (Committee Member)
Ramune Braziunaite (Committee Member)
119 p.
Communication; Mass Communications; Mass Media
emotion; media effects; trait empathy; state empathy; opioid epidemic

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Cohen, O. D. (2018). EMOTIONAL RESPONSES TO OPIOID PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS; TESTING TRAIT EMPATHY’S IMPACT ON MESSAGE PROCESSING AND ATTITUDE CHANGE [Master's thesis, Cleveland State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=csu1530122907056997

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Cohen, Olivia. EMOTIONAL RESPONSES TO OPIOID PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS; TESTING TRAIT EMPATHY’S IMPACT ON MESSAGE PROCESSING AND ATTITUDE CHANGE . 2018. Cleveland State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=csu1530122907056997.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Cohen, Olivia. "EMOTIONAL RESPONSES TO OPIOID PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS; TESTING TRAIT EMPATHY’S IMPACT ON MESSAGE PROCESSING AND ATTITUDE CHANGE ." Master's thesis, Cleveland State University, 2018. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=csu1530122907056997

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

csu1530122907056997
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© 2018, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Cleveland State University and OhioLINK.