Xiaoquan Zhao, George Mason University
Maria Roditis, FDA Center for Tobacco Products
Tesfa Alexander, FDA Center for Tobacco Products

Conclusions: Both humor and fear appeals in TRC appear to have potential to move youth risk perceptions in a favorable direction. Fear appeals may also increase negative smoking attitudes, whereas the effect of humor appeals in this domain is indistinct. Message-targeted emotions play an important role in youth receptivity to these messages and post-exposure risk perceptions and attitudes. In the interest of diversifying message strategy, employment of both types of appeals in the campaign appears justifiable.

Brenda L. MacArthur, George Mason University;
Thomas J. Roccotagliata, George Mason University
Clayton Sinyai, The Center of Construction Research and Training

This study validates the SAM and CCI for use in health-related contexts other than patient education. Additionally, the results offer important implications for how health-safety training materials are assessed for general readability/suitability.

Farah Latif, George Mason University
Sarah Gonzalez, Saint Louis University

This study proposes that in collectivistic cultures where cultural and religious practices often juxtapose, healthcare campaigns may have to use untraditional methods in health campaigns to correct risky behaviors. This study explores the deleterious effects of "accelerated starvation,” which takes place when a fetus experiences extended periods of restricted nutrition.

Lisa A. Harris, Cleveland State University
R. Pierre Rodgers, George Mason University
Ellen Drogin Rodgers, George Mason University
Rebecca Eisenberg, George Mason University

Discussion: The MY B.R.E.A.S.T. workshops and survey results suggest that the target audience of minority females was reached as there was increased knowledge of breast health awareness. However, there may be racial, cultural, and socioeconomic barriers when it comes to the messages African American women receive about breast cancer and ultimately treatment options.