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Why or How? the impact of Construal-Level Theory on vaccine message receptivity

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  • Kim Saxton, M.
  • Colby, Helen
  • Saxton, Todd
  • Pasumarti, Vikram

Abstract

We propose that Construal Level Theory (CLT) can be applied to incrementally improve vaccine message receptivity because it impacts a variety of health decisions and complements the constructs of the Health Belief Model. Across three studies, we explore CLT related specifically to the COVID-19 vaccine. First, we analyze Twitter sentiment and find evidence that the vaccine was a high-level construal. Then, we use prospective hindsight to show that higher-level construal dominates the explanations people provide for if they were to get vaccinated in the future. Finally leveraging construal level message congruence, we find a higher-level message is more effective than a lower-level one in increasing willingness to get vaccinated. Taken together, these studies show that a virus vaccine was perceived as a higher-level construal and suggests that future messaging should include both the higher-level ‘Why’ as well as the lower-level ‘How’ to get vaccinated.

Suggested Citation

  • Kim Saxton, M. & Colby, Helen & Saxton, Todd & Pasumarti, Vikram, 2024. "Why or How? the impact of Construal-Level Theory on vaccine message receptivity," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 172(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jbrese:v:172:y:2024:i:c:s0148296323007956
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jbusres.2023.114436
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    References listed on IDEAS

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