Nieuwenhuis, Iris (2026) The Influence of Messaging Strategies and Informed Decision Making on the Intention to Screen for Cervical Cancer. Bachelor thesis, Psychology.
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Abstract
Cervical cancer is the fourth most common type of cancer. Despite the existence of highly effective preventative methods such as cervical cancer screening, research shows a decline in participation in these screenings. This study investigated the effectiveness of loss-gain framing and the messenger effect on increasing the intention to participate in cervical cancer screening, while also investigating the role of perceived ability to make an informed decision. Loss-gain framing refers to influencing decisions by presenting outcomes as positive or negative, and the messenger effect refers to the influence different messenger types have on accepting information. A survey study was conducted (N = 370), in which framing (loss- and gain-framed) and messenger (family doctor, public health organization and female role model) were manipulated. Participants received information about HPV and cervical cancer, and screening intention was measured before and after the manipulation. Results show that screening intention increased after seeing the information messages. Neither framing nor messenger type had a significant effect on intention, but there is a significant positive relation between informed decision making and screening intention. Higher perceived ability to make an informed decision is related to higher screening intention. Despite finding mostly nonsignificant results, this study offers important suggestions for future research to improve health communication and increase participation in cervical cancer screening. Implications and limitations are discussed. Keywords: cervical cancer screening, loss-gain framing, messenger effect, informed decision making
| Item Type: | Thesis (Bachelor) |
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| Supervisor name: | Snijders, V. |
| Degree programme: | Psychology |
| Differentiation route: | None [Bachelor Psychology] |
| Date Deposited: | 23 Feb 2026 07:46 |
| Last Modified: | 23 Feb 2026 07:46 |
| URI: | http://gmwpublic.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/6250 |
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