Investigating the Persuasive Effects of Testimonials on the Acceptance of Digital Stress Management Trainings Among University Students and Underlying Mechanisms: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

ABSTRACT: Objective: This experiment aims to investigate the influence of narrative information varying in the degree of perceived similarity and source credibility in supplemented testimonials on the acceptance of digital mental health services (digi-MHSs). Methods: In fall 2020, n=231 university students were randomly assigned to an active control group (aCG, n=55, "information only") or one of three intervention groups (IGs) receiving information plus different testimonials being presented either by nonacademic staff (IG1, n=60), university students (IG2, n=58) or experts (IG3, n=58). We assessed mediation effects of similarity and credibility on acceptance in terms of attitudes and usage intentions. Results: Exposure to testimonials was ass

SUBMITTER: Apolinario-Hagen J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8549694 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature