Framing Effects in Risk Communication Messages - Hazard Identification vs. Risk Assessment

Authors: F Freudenstein, R J Croft, P M Wiedemann, A Verrender, C Böhmert, S P Loughran

Year: 2020 Aug 2

Category: Environmental Health

Journal: Environ Res

DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.109934

URL: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32755556/

Abstract

Overview

The study discusses how the framing of risk communication messages can significantly affect people's perception of risks, particularly concerning mobile phones and potential health risks like cancer.

Findings

  • The study tested the impact of framing by dividing participants into three groups, each exposed to different types of messages about mobile phones and cancer risks, based on press releases from the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
  • Group 1 viewed the original press release, while Groups 2 and 3 were shown versions adjusted to represent 'risk assessment' and 'hazard identification' framings, respectively.
  • Results indicated that framing the message as a 'hazard identification' decreased beliefs that the press release was a 'risk assessment,' however, it did not significantly influence overall risk perception.
  • Participants' pre-existing beliefs about hazards and risks were strong predictors of their risk perception, regardless of the group.

Conclusion

The findings highlight the complex nature of risk communication related to EMF and health risks. Even with clear framing distinctions, pre-existing beliefs shape public perception significantly. This underscores the importance of effective public education and communication strategies to better inform and empower individuals to distinguish between hazards and risks.

risk communication framing effects electromagnetic fields mobile phones cancer risk hazard identification risk assessment
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