Authority vs affiliation: The influence of Authoritative and Affiliative agents on encouraging hand hygiene

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2021-06-21

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en

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This study investigated 1) whether an online-delivered implementation intention intervention could improve outcomes on handwashing-related measures and 2) whether the relationship between change agent style (authoritative or affiliative) and handwashing outcomes was mediated by persuasiveness and 3) whether students’ cultural orientation played a role in the perceived persuasiveness of change agents. The sample consisted of 108 Dutch students. The study used a 3x2 experimental design with three conditions (2 intervention and a control condition) and used a pretest-posttest measurement. Students in both intervention groups were requested to form a handwashing implementation intention by either an affiliative or an authoritative agent. No significant effects were found for the intervention group on improving handwashing outcomes. A statistically significant t-test suggests the affiliative agent was considered more persuasive on average, but no mediation effect for persuasiveness, and no moderation effect for cultural orientation were found. Implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.

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Faculteit der Sociale Wetenschappen

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