Answer to Question #52882 in Other for Haruka

Question

Im having a hard time thinking of a example. This is due this sunday. Im not sure what section this belongs in. This is what I need to answer: 7. Fear-arousing messages can be persuasive. Discuss the circumstances that lead fear-arousing messages to be persuasive and give an example of a fear-arousing message. This is what I have so far How persuasive the message is may depend on what kind of attitude the person has (Aronson, Wilson & Akert, 2013,p.193). If the attitude is the foundation of mood and social identity it may be more appealing (Aronson, Wilson & Akert, 2013,p.193) for example.

Answer 1

Cognitive processing of messages in terms of their persuasiveness mostly depends on an individual’s attitude (Hale, Lemieux & Mongeau, 1995 p-459-475). If the message content arouses a sense of fear it induces a certain type of behavior or attitude and therefore enhances the persuasiveness by providing the intention of flight or fight (Hale, Lemieux & Mongeau, 1995 p-459-475).
The human frontal cortex is responsible for planning and thinking about the future and fear therefore stimulates an anticipatory mechanism. It is during this vulnerable state that one seeks out personal preservation (Stiff & Mongeau, 2003 p-117).
 For fear to be effective in terms of it being used as a persuasive tool it should be subtle, this means it should neither be too high or too low, It should be just enough to elicit a reaction (Miller, 1963 p-117-175). In order for the message to be more convincing you should ensure that in flight situations the escape route should be more appealing as compared to all the other alternatives (Bostron, 1996 p- 330-375).
An example is of a fear arousing message is the warning on tobacco packets which gives a consequence in case you smoke the tobacco. In most cases the warning is meant to instill fear by outlining the health risks that may result from consuming the product so that it persuades individuals not to smoke the tobacco.
Reference
Jerold L. Hale, Robert Lemieux, Paul Mongeau, (1995) Communication Research vol. 22 (p- 459-474).
R. Bostron (1996) Fear Arousing Persuasive Messages (p-330-375).
James Brian Stiff, Paul A Mongeau (2003) Persuasive Communication (p-173).
Miller G. R (1963) Study on The Use of Fear Appeals: A Summary and analysis (p-117-125).