Using narrative communication as a tool for health behavior change: a conceptual, theoretical, and empirical overview

LJ Hinyard, MW Kreuter - Health education & behavior, 2007 - journals.sagepub.com
LJ Hinyard, MW Kreuter
Health education & behavior, 2007journals.sagepub.com
Narrative is the basic mode of human interaction and a fundamental way of acquiring
knowledge. In the rapidly growing field of health communication, narrative approaches are
emerging as a promising set of tools for motivating and supporting health-behavior change.
This article defines narrative communication and describes the rationale for using it in health-
promotion programs, reviews theoretical explanations of narrative effects and research
comparing narrative and nonnarrative approaches to persuasion, and makes …
Narrative is the basic mode of human interaction and a fundamental way of acquiring knowledge. In the rapidly growing field of health communication, narrative approaches are emerging as a promising set of tools for motivating and supporting health-behavior change. This article defines narrative communication and describes the rationale for using it in health-promotion programs, reviews theoretical explanations of narrative effects and research comparing narrative and nonnarrative approaches to persuasion, and makes recommendations for future research needs in narrative health communication.
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