Keywords
Anti-Human Trafficking, Gamified Storytelling, Aristotle’s Rhetorical Appeals, Willingness to Learn, Gameplay Intention, Learning Effectiveness, Perceived Competence, Bystander Helping Intention, Hospitality Customers
Subject Categories
Communication | Educational Technology | Hospitality Administration and Management
Abstract
Human trafficking remains a critical issue in hospitality, yet no research has empirically examined interactive interventions to enhance customers’ early-stage engagement and response competence. This dissertation employed two studies to address this notable research gap. Study 1 employed a 2 × 2 factorial experimental design (2 player perspectives: first- vs. third-person perspectives; 2 framing effects: emotional vs. rational appeals) to examine how promotional messages for anti-human trafficking gamification influence hospitality customers’ willingness to learn about human trafficking issues, intention to play the anti-human trafficking game, and bystander helping intention through parallel affective and cognitive systems. The theoretical foundation of Study 1 is primarily based on Narrative Transportation Theory and is extended by Cognitive Experiential Self-Theory. A pretest of 105 surveys collected from Prolific, followed by a main test of 338 surveys, was analyzed using Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Study 2 extended Study 1 by moving beyond promotional messages about anti-human trafficking gamification to examine the actual gameplay experience within the gamified storytelling intervention. It conceptualized gamified storytelling through Aristotle’s rhetorical work (Ethos: avatar embodiment; Logos: narrative structure; Pathos: vividness and interactivity). By applying the gamification affordances-psychological outcomes-behavioral outcomes framework and extending it with Cognitive Experiential Self-Theory, Study 2 examined the impact of gamified storytelling on hospitality customers’ learning effectiveness of anti-human trafficking knowledge, perceived competence of handling human trafficking issues, and bystander helping intention through parallel affective and cognitive systems. Data from 378 Prolific participants were analyzed using PLS-SEM. Findings from this dissertation advance a unique two-stage intervention framework, moving from promotional messages for anti-human-trafficking gamification that foster initial interest and engagement to actual gameplay that enhances response competence. This dissertation contributes practical strategies for hospitality businesses to combat human trafficking at micro (individuals), meso (businesses), and macro (society and public) levels.
Completion Date
2026
Semester
Summer
Committee Chair
Wei, Wei
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
College
Rosen College of Hospitality Management
Format
Document Type
Dissertation
Language
English
Release Date
8-15-2028
STARS Citation
Wu, Aili, "Game-Changing Justice: Leveraging Gamified Storytelling For Anti-Human Trafficking Interventions In Hospitality" (2026). Graduate Studies Theses and Dissertations 2026. 381.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/gradstudies_etd_2026/381
Included in
Communication Commons, Educational Technology Commons, Hospitality Administration and Management Commons
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