| Following recommended evacuation procedures in a disaster situation is one of the most effective ways one can minimize the impacts of the disaster, yet many individuals do not evacuate when they should. Interpersonal discussion about mass-mediated messages has been identified as one factor that may increase the probability one will engage in an advocated behavior and could increase evacuation behavior. One of the reasons this may occur is because interpersonal discussion requires individuals to centrally process the campaign information. This study proposes that inoculation messages are one strategy that could facilitate discussion and bolster attitudes about evacuation procedures. Inoculation messages may encourage individuals to discuss the message content with others through talk as reassurance or talk as advocacy depending on the level of attitude certainty individuals experience after message exposure. These discussions, in turn, may increase attitude accessibility, attitude certainty, and involvement and may ultimately prepare individuals to respond to a disaster situation. The results suggest that attitude certainty does impact interpersonal discussion, but not in the ways predicted. Additionally, interpersonal discussion increased attitude accessibility, attitude certainty, and involvement. Furthermore, attitude certainty and involvement increased behavioral intentions to follow recommended evacuation procedures. The theoretical and practical implications of the study are discussed. |
