Message Source Credibility and E-Cigarette Harm Perceptions among Young Adults.

ABSTRACT: This study examined the effect of message source credibility on e-cigarette harm perceptions among U.S. young adults. An online experimental study was conducted where young adults (n = 302, Mage = 23.7) were randomized to an e-cigarette public health education message from an expert or a peer young adult. Then, participants answered questions about their perceptions about the message source and e-cigarettes. Results suggest that young adults rated experts as a more credible source (vs. peer) (b = -0.39, SE = 0.15, 95% CI [-0.67, -0.10], p < 0.01). Young adults reported greater perceived credibility of the expert message (vs. peer), which was associated with increased e-cigarette harm perceptions. Increased perceived source credibility mediated the association of increased

SUBMITTER: Lee DN 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9329714 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature