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Published on: August 1, 2019
Examining patterns of association with defensive information processing about colorectal cancer screening
Amy McQueen1, Paul R Swank2, Sally W Vernon2
1Washington University, School of Medicine, USA amcqueen@dom.wustl.edu.
Abstract:
To reduce negative psychological affect from information or behavior that is inconsistent with one's positive self-concept, individuals use a variety of defensive strategies. It is unknown whether correlates differ across defenses. We examined correlates of four levels of defensive information processing about colorectal cancer screening. Cross-sectional surveys were completed by a convenience sample of 287 adults aged 50-75 years. Defenses measures were more consistently associated with individual differences (especially avoidant coping styles); however, situational variables involving health-care providers also were important. Future research should examine changes in defenses after risk communication and their relative impact on colorectal cancer screening.
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