Publications [#301805] of Peter A Ubel

Journal Articles

1. Dillard, AJ; Fagerlin, A; Dal Cin, S; Zikmund-Fisher, BJ; Ubel, PA, Narratives that address affective forecasting errors reduce perceived barriers to colorectal cancer screening., Social science & medicine (1982), vol. 71 no. 1 (July, 2010), pp. 45-52 [20417005], [doi]
   (last updated on 2026/01/17)

   Abstract:
   Narratives from similar others may be an effective way to increase important health behaviors. In this study, we used a narrative intervention to promote colorectal cancer screening. Researchers have suggested that people may overestimate barriers to colorectal cancer screening. We recruited participants from the US, ages 49-60 who had never previously been screened for colorectal cancer, to read an educational message about screening for the disease. One-half of participants were randomly assigned to also receive a narrative within the message (control participants did not receive a narrative). The narrative intervention was developed according to predictions of affective forecasting theory. Compared to participants who received only the educational message, participants who received the message along with a narrative reported that the barriers to screening would have less of an impact on a future screening experience. The narrative also increased risk perception for colorectal cancer and interest in screening in the next year.