The effects of differential linguistic patterns in messages attempting to induce resistance to persuasion

This investigation posited an interaction between type of message strategy (supportive or refutational) and level of language intensity used in messages attempting to induce resistance to subsequent persuasive appeals. As predicted, there was a positive linear relationship between language intensity and resistance to persuasion when supportive pre‐treatment messages were employed; moreover, a predicted curvilinear relationship was found when differing levels of intense language were used in refutational pretreatment messages. Results are discussed in terms of the mediating effects of language variable in inoculation and congruity theory predictions.