Understanding the Effects of Message Framing on Physical Activity Action Planning: the Role of Risk Perception and Elaboration

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to determine the effects of action planning, risk perception, and message elaboration on the creation and quality of physical activity action plans. Risk perception was hypothesized as a potential moderator and elaboration as a potential mediator of the message framing-action planning relationship.

Method: Inactive adults (N = 180; 44% women; M_age = 29.7, SD = 9.92) were randomized to one of two framed action planning messages and responded to an online questionnaire pre- and post-message. Participants were asked about two types of risk perception towards action planning: emotional and plan creation risk perception. Post-message participants were asked about their elaboration regarding the message and presented with the opportunity to create action plans, which were scored for quality. A moderation model and a moderated mediation model were tested.

Results: Emotional risk perception moderated the message framing-action plan creation relationship. Individuals with increased emotional risk perception, as opposed to increased plan creation risk perception, were more likely to create an action plan when given a gain-framed message, as opposed to a loss-framed message. The moderated mediation model was not significant, but message elaboration predicted action plan creation. Individuals with greater message elaboration were more likely to create an action plan, regardless of the message frame.

Conclusion: Gain-framed messages may be more effective than loss-framed messages at promoting action plan creation in individuals with greater emotional risk perception. One's elaboration of an action planning message may increase their likelihood of creating a physical activity action plan.

Keywords: Action planning; Elaboration; Message framing; Moderated mediation; Risk perception; Risk-framing hypothesis.