An experimental test to reveal negative side-effects of high treatability information on preventative health behaviour.

OBJECTIVES: When the course of a disease can be positively changed by health professionals the disease can be indicated as 'highly treatable'. This 'high treatability information' (HTI) may have negative side-effects on people's preventative motivation. This study examined the effects of HTI regarding skin cancer on preventative motivation.

DESIGN: This study employed a 2 (high treatability (HTI) versus low treatability (LTI)) × 2 (high versus low susceptibility)-experiment with a hanging control group. (family) History and self-efficacy were assessed as moderators. Participants (N = 309) were randomly assigned to one of the five conditions.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The main outcome was intention to engage in preventative actions regarding skin cancer.

RESULTS: HTI significantly lowered the intention compared to LTI, under the condition of high susceptibility in people with low self-efficacy. In addition, in people with a (family) history of skin cancer, HTI significantly lowered the intention compared to the no-information group.

CONCLUSION: HTI regarding skin cancer can cause a drop in the preventative motivation. The effects can be conceptualised as negative side-effects of HTI. As substantial proportions of the general population have a (family) history of skin cancer or low self-efficacy, the side-effects may be widespread, possibly increasing the incidence of skin cancer.