How Theory Shapes Health Campaigns: Social, Cultural, & Environmental Factors

Sheila has some of the greatest examples (Paris Hilton, jean jackets and the iPad!), I definitely appreciate the humor that can be found in our class.



I found that the videos we watched in class to be great examples of using forms of mass media campaigns to inform the community on health related issues. There were examples that really showed us the spectrum of ad options; some were serious and humorous, completely informational or anecdotal. It highlighted for us that there are many routes through which we can get our message across and much of it is dependent upon the context of your message/issue. The Live Strong commercial (the first one) was so powerful, poignant and moving. I was happy to hear that the first time Sheila watched it she got emotional, too, because I just felt silly in class getting all choked up!



I thought that the issue that Shannon brought up in class was interesting and I'm still trying to wrap my head around how I feel about fear-based messages. As Sheila said, in some populations they work. I.e., for our group maybe we want to go the route of "don't drink too much caffeine or you'll get fat!" but what do they learn? It is a much more peripheral message that might produce a strong adherence in our population and if that is our only goal then we have succeeded. But in long term goals, is that our goal? Is it limiting caffeine intake, or being healthier? All questions for us to discuss SOON! Another question to keep in mind is when there are competing messages and priorities, will our message of "caffeine = fatness" really stick or seem all that relevant or immediate when you have finals, work, you're the president of your college club, you're fighting with your significant other, and your parents expect you to come home for Spring Break?



Class was helpful and I appreciate the overview of theories and how they are applicable to media communication. I haven't had 661 since Fall 2008! so the review is much appreciated. Per usual, it was thorough and gave us the highlights that are necessary and most applicable for the goals of the class and the projects. The synthesized information is excellent!



Of particular importance in regards to communicating health messages is the formative research and understanding our targeted population. For those of us who took 666, we know all too well what that involves but I think that for those in the class who have yet to have 666, it might be beneficial to go through how foundational it is and how the heck to go about it. That was something into which we ran today when we were even trying to think about our definitions and what is more of a concern to our targeted population (is caffeine consumption a priority to them?). I think that maybe even before we have Assignment One due, a different assignment could be given out in regards to researching our targeted population, intended behavior change, etc rather than just us guessing now and doing the research later. Just a suggestion...



We did a great job today, though! Everyone was so gregarious and offered up great ideas and topics for discussion. It's great to be a part of a group that is full of ideas and also flexible enough to be up for changing or modifying our project. Go, us!!!