Date of Award
5-2026
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Communications
Committee Chair/Advisor
Dr. CJ Calabrese
Committee Member
Dr. Erin Ash
Committee Member
Dr. Ashley McKenzie
Abstract
This study examines the effectiveness of narratives addressing medical mistrust in addressing medical mistrust and promoting preventive sexual health behaviors among women. Drawing on narrative persuasion frameworks, this research investigates how tailoring to aspects of medical mistrust influences identification, transportation, credibility, emotions, and persuasive outcomes. Particular attention is given to the role of medical mistrust as a key audience characteristic that may influence how individuals engage with and interpret health messages. By considering both emotional and cognitive mechanisms of persuasion, this study advances a more nuanced understanding of how narratives may function differently across audiences with varying levels of trust in healthcare systems. This work contributes to ongoing efforts in health communication to develop more effective, audience-centered interventions that acknowledge and address underlying barriers to audience engagement, particularly in sensitive contexts such as sexual health.
Recommended Citation
Friday, Kylie A., "Addressing Medical Mistrust among Women: Effects of Narratives Acknowledging Mistrust on Identification, Credibility, and Persuasive Outcomes" (2026). All Theses. 4793.
https://open.clemson.edu/all_theses/4793