Humanizing cancer: The role of anthropomorphism and perceived efficacy in melanoma prevention

This study investigates how melanoma anthropomorphism (i.e., the attribution of humanlike qualities to melanoma) interacts with individual differences in perceived efficacy to influence attitudes and intentions to perform preventive health behaviors. Results suggested that among individuals with lower levels of perceived efficacy, presenting melanoma in anthropomorphic terms (vs. non-anthropomorphic terms) enhanced processing fluency, consequently fostering more favorable attitudes and greater intentions to follow preventive health recommendations. However, this effect was not observed among individuals with higher perceived efficacy. Findings of this study offer important theoretical and practical implications regarding the strategic use of anthropomorphism in health promotion contexts.