Persuading Others to Avoid Persuasion: Inoculation Theory and Resistant Health Attitudes

Summary of Research: This article explores the use of inoculation theory in creating positive and resistant attitudes toward desirable health behaviors. Inoculation theory proposes that “attitudes can be inoculated against persuasive attacks in much the same way that one’s immune system can be inoculated against viral attacks”. Imagine its use in bolstering parents against future anti-vaccine arguments that might lead them away from the healthy choice to vaccinate.

Primary Research: Compton J, Jackson B, Dimmock JA. Persuading others to avoid persuasion: inoculation theory and resistant health attitudes. Front Psychol. 2016;7:122

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