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Chapter 13. The role of absorption processes in narrative health communication

  • Anneke de Graaf and Lonneke van Leeuwen
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Narrative Absorption
This chapter is in the book Narrative Absorption

Abstract

This chapter reviews the research area of absorption in narrative health impact. First, we elaborate on theoretical models that describe how absorption processes may lead to story-consistent outcomes, such as health beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors. Then, we discuss empirical studies that test the role of absorption in narrative health impact. In this research area, theory and research converge that absorption into narratives is associated with health-related outcomes. Absorption processes like transportation and identification can be related to narrative health impact through a reduction of counter arguing, but other types of thoughts likely compensate for this reduction. In addition, self-referencing has been identified as a process that can play a role in narrative health impact. This review underscores the unique potential for absorption into narrative worlds to have an impact on healthy behavior.

Abstract

This chapter reviews the research area of absorption in narrative health impact. First, we elaborate on theoretical models that describe how absorption processes may lead to story-consistent outcomes, such as health beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors. Then, we discuss empirical studies that test the role of absorption in narrative health impact. In this research area, theory and research converge that absorption into narratives is associated with health-related outcomes. Absorption processes like transportation and identification can be related to narrative health impact through a reduction of counter arguing, but other types of thoughts likely compensate for this reduction. In addition, self-referencing has been identified as a process that can play a role in narrative health impact. This review underscores the unique potential for absorption into narrative worlds to have an impact on healthy behavior.

Chapters in this book

  1. Prelim pages i
  2. Table of contents v
  3. Acknowledgements ix
  4. Narrative absorption 1
  5. Part I. Conceptualization of narrative absorption
  6. Chapter 1. Beyond metaphors and traditions 11
  7. Chapter 2. Towards a new understanding of absorbing reading experiences 29
  8. Chapter 3. Narrative persuasion 49
  9. Chapter 4. Immersion into narrative and poetic worlds 69
  10. Chapter 5. Into film 97
  11. Chapter 6. “Spellbound in darkness” 119
  12. Chapter 7. Antecedents of identification 133
  13. Part II. Empirical studies on narrative absorption
  14. Chapter 8. Identifying with in-game characters 157
  15. Chapter 9. The effect of suspense structure on felt suspense and narrative absorption in literature and film 177
  16. Chapter 10. Elaboration, emotion, and transportation 199
  17. Chapter 11. Forms of absorption that facilitate the aesthetic and explanatory effects of literary reading 217
  18. Part III. Outcomes of narrative absorption
  19. Chapter 12. Absorption and meaningfulness 253
  20. Chapter 13. The role of absorption processes in narrative health communication 271
  21. Chapter 14. Absorption in narrative fiction and its possible impact on social abilities 293
  22. Index 315
https://doi.org/10.1075/lal.27.14deg

Chapters in this book

  1. Prelim pages i
  2. Table of contents v
  3. Acknowledgements ix
  4. Narrative absorption 1
  5. Part I. Conceptualization of narrative absorption
  6. Chapter 1. Beyond metaphors and traditions 11
  7. Chapter 2. Towards a new understanding of absorbing reading experiences 29
  8. Chapter 3. Narrative persuasion 49
  9. Chapter 4. Immersion into narrative and poetic worlds 69
  10. Chapter 5. Into film 97
  11. Chapter 6. “Spellbound in darkness” 119
  12. Chapter 7. Antecedents of identification 133
  13. Part II. Empirical studies on narrative absorption
  14. Chapter 8. Identifying with in-game characters 157
  15. Chapter 9. The effect of suspense structure on felt suspense and narrative absorption in literature and film 177
  16. Chapter 10. Elaboration, emotion, and transportation 199
  17. Chapter 11. Forms of absorption that facilitate the aesthetic and explanatory effects of literary reading 217
  18. Part III. Outcomes of narrative absorption
  19. Chapter 12. Absorption and meaningfulness 253
  20. Chapter 13. The role of absorption processes in narrative health communication 271
  21. Chapter 14. Absorption in narrative fiction and its possible impact on social abilities 293
  22. Index 315
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