Title
Inoculation Theory: A Framework For The Reduction Of Skin Cancer
Keywords
Attitude; Communication; Health; Inoculation theory; Prevention; Skin cancer
Abstract
This paper analyzes skin cancer in detail and explains how inoculation theory, which demonstrates how attitudes can be strengthened and made resistant to counter-attitudinal persuasive messages, is a unique method for specifically targeting and conferring resistance to unprotected and excessive ultraviolet exposure to people of all ages. As many previous efforts to reduce exposure to ultraviolet rays have had minimal impact, inoculation theory is appropriate in this context because the theory has been successful in other health campaigns and may increase the efficacy of skin cancer interventions. In justifying the need for this analysis, we illustrate the prevalence and detrimental impact of skin cancer to clarify the seriousness of the disease and how people oftentimes fail to adequately shield themselves. This conceptual analysis not only has the potential to be applied in rendering subjects resistant to engaging in unprotected (and/or excessive) sunbathing and artificial tanning, but it also represents an addition to the disciplinary domains of health communication and social policy and offers clues for further exploration in this area. © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.
Publication Date
5-1-2010
Publication Title
Journal of Evidence-Based Social Work
Volume
7
Issue
3
Number of Pages
219-234
Document Type
Article
Personal Identifier
scopus
DOI Link
https://doi.org/10.1080/19371910902911172
Copyright Status
Unknown
Socpus ID
77953474695 (Scopus)
Source API URL
https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/77953474695
STARS Citation
Matusitz, Jonathan and Breen, Gerald Mark, "Inoculation Theory: A Framework For The Reduction Of Skin Cancer" (2010). Scopus Export 2010-2014. 690.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/scopus2010/690