Religious rhetoric not helpful in anti-alcohol messages

Does adding a religious message to an anti-alcohol message sway a viewer? Research says no

Date: April 19, 2016
Source: Michigan State University
Summary: Does including a religious message in a public service announcement warning of the dangers of alcohol use make a difference to the viewer, especially if that person lives in a Middle Eastern country in which the predominate religion is Muslim? While one might think it would help sway an opinion, recent research indicates that's not necessarily the case.

Does including a religious message in a public service announcement warning of the dangers of alcohol use make a difference to the viewer, especially if that person lives in a Middle Eastern country in which the predominate religion is Muslim?

While one might think it would help sway an opinion, recent research by a Michigan State University scholar indicates that's not necessarily the case.

Saleem Alhabash, an assistant professor in MSU's Department of Advertising and Public Relations, tested out the theory on a group of students in his native Palestine.

To his surprise, his team found that adding a verse from the Koran to the message did not discourage viewers from drinking, considering drinking or urging others not to drink.

Story Source: The above post is reprinted from materials provided by Michigan State University. Note: Materials may be edited for content and length.

Journal Reference: Saleem Alhabash, Nasser Almutairi, Mohammad Abu Rub. Just Add a Verse from the Quran: Effects of Religious Rhetoric in Gain- and Loss-Framed Anti-Alcohol Messages with a Palestinian Sample. Journal of Religion and Health, 2016; DOI: 10.1007/s10943-015-0177-4

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/04/160419144745.htm