Narrative persuasion and psychological distance: Analyzing the effectiveness of distance ‐framed narratives in communicating ocean plastic pollution

This study integrates the construal level theory of psychological distance and narrative persuasion to examine how distance-framed narratives influence young adults ’ attitude, behavioral intention, and policy support related to ocean plastic pollution. Results from an experimental survey (N = 889) indicate that the narrative featuring socially close characters and spatially close location is least effective in producing persuasive effects. Instead, the narrative depicting socially close characters’ encounters at a spatially distant location is more persuasive. Within narrative con ditions, the findings support the mediating role of identification and transportation in facilitating narrative effects. Serial mediation of identification/transportation and psychological distance perception was also observed. Findings from this study offer meaningful theoretical and practical impl ications for strategic communication on ocean plastic pollution.
Source: Risk Analysis - Category: International Medicine & Public Health Authors: Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research