TY - JOUR
T1 - The functions of affect in health communications and in the construction of health preferences
AU - Peters, Ellen
AU - Lipkus, Isaac
AU - Diefenbach, Michael A.
PY - 2006/8
Y1 - 2006/8
N2 - We examine potential roles of 4 functions of affect in health communication and the construction of health preferences. The roles of these 4 functions (affect as information, as a spotlight, as a motivator, and as common currency) are illustrated in the area of cancer screening and treatment decision making. We demonstrate that experienced affect influences information processes, judgments, and decisions. We relate the functions to a self-regulation approach and examine factors that may influence the weight of cognitive versus affective processing of information. Affect's role in health communication is likely to be nuanced, and it deserves careful empirical study of its effects on patients' well-being.
AB - We examine potential roles of 4 functions of affect in health communication and the construction of health preferences. The roles of these 4 functions (affect as information, as a spotlight, as a motivator, and as common currency) are illustrated in the area of cancer screening and treatment decision making. We demonstrate that experienced affect influences information processes, judgments, and decisions. We relate the functions to a self-regulation approach and examine factors that may influence the weight of cognitive versus affective processing of information. Affect's role in health communication is likely to be nuanced, and it deserves careful empirical study of its effects on patients' well-being.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=33746722615&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1111/j.1460-2466.2006.00287.x
DO - 10.1111/j.1460-2466.2006.00287.x
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:33746722615
SN - 0021-9916
VL - 56
SP - S140-S162
JO - Journal of Communication
JF - Journal of Communication
IS - SUPPL.
ER -