Citation

Elliott B. Proc. Australas. Road Safety Res. Policing Educ. Conf. 2003; 7(2): 266-273.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2003, copyright holder varies, Publisher Monash University)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The issue as to whether or not to use threat or fear campaigns is ever present and most recently has extended to young people and anti smoking campaigns. The paper reviews the literature since 1996 by re-examining the five key conclusions of an earlier review. Fear arousal may have both inhibiting and facilitating effects and can lead to avoidant coping (eg ignoring) mechanisms. As at 2003 it can be concluded that campaigns should use fear with caution. Personal relevance and efficacy are more important than severity of outcomes in encouraging action. The issue of gender differences appears to be in need of further investigation and a warning is sounded regarding researching alternative message appeals.