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Neurobiological Bases of Self-Reference and Deliberate Processing in Tailored Health Communication

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Social Neuroscience and Public Health

Abstract

In this chapter, we aim to provide a theoretical framework with empirical evidence to understand psychological and neural mechanisms involved in tailored health communications. We will first describe the primary psychological mechanisms, self-reference and deliberate processing, that are necessary for making health communications effective in driving behavioral changes. Then, we will describe the underlying neurobiological mechanisms in the context of a web-based tailored health communication. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) technique, we have identified in the past key midline brain structures, namely medial prefrontal cortex and precuneus, underlying self-reference processing that can predict the outcomes of a web-based tailored smoking cessation program. In addition to these brain regions, we will in this chapter describe the neural mechanisms associated with deliberate processing capacity that were identified using eye movements and neuroimaging technique. Integrations of information technology and cognitive-based training that improve skills involving self-referential and deliberate processing are recommended for applications.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA

    Shaun Ho & Hannah Faye Chua

Authors
  1. Shaun Ho
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  2. Hannah Faye Chua
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Correspondence to Shaun Ho .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. , Department of Applied Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, University Avenue West 200, Waterloo, N2L 3G1, Ontario, Canada

    Peter A. Hall

Highlights

Highlights

  • This chapter describes two mechanisms involved in the efficacy of tailored health communications: self-reference and deliberate processing.

  • Self-reference involves activating self-concepts that can promote change and is related to midline brain structures

  • Deliberate processing involves sustaining attention and thinking and is related to the parietal lobe

  • These two mechanisms should be the targets of interventions, with integrated information technology and mindfulness/contemplation training, to promote public health

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Ho, S., Chua, H.F. (2013). Neurobiological Bases of Self-Reference and Deliberate Processing in Tailored Health Communication . In: Hall, P. (eds) Social Neuroscience and Public Health. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-6852-3_5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-6852-3_5

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4614-6851-6

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4614-6852-3

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