"This dissertation explores women's understanding of breast density, as well as relevant risk perceptions and motivation to enact a precautionary behavior (e.g., talking to their health care provider about breast density) after reading a breast density message. The latter is accomplished with a common risk message design framework, the extended parallel process model (EPPM), which is then expanded given recent theorizing in other risk perception literature around more specific construct operationalization and the inclusion of affect-laden judgements. To test this change and to evaluate the potential outcome of reading a breast density notification letter, two studies are described. First, a quasi-experiment compares women likely to receive breast density notification letters (i.e., aged 40 to 50 years) in states with versus without breast density notification legislation on breast density knowledge and motivational outcomes. Then, in a second study, a similar sample of women read a hypothetical breast density notification letter and reported relevant risk perceptions and intention to talk with their health care provider about their breast density. Results indicated no differences in knowledge and motivational outcomes between women in states with versus without legislation mandating breast density notification letters. Results did, however, suggest breast density notification letters might affect women's risk perceptions, represented as a potential mix of affective and deliberative dimensions. These data suggest more precise operationalization of EPPM constructs in experimental contexts is required, as well as continued applied research in the realm of breast density. As such, implications for breast density research and EPPM theorizing are discussed in light of these findings, with discussion of future research and informational needs."--Page ii.
Read
