ERIC Number: EJ1426264
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 5
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0744-8481
EISSN: EISSN-1940-3208
Mindfulness Messages on Napkins: The Efficacy of Dining Hall Napkins as a Messaging Channel
Evan K. Perrault; Tamara F. Loew; William G. Evans
Journal of American College Health, v72 n4 p1014-1018 2024
Objective: To assess the efficacy of utilizing dining hall napkins as a novel health messaging strategy to promote mindfulness. Participants: Undergraduate students at a large Midwestern university. Methods: Utilizing a place-based promotional strategy, mindfulness messages were printed on over 8-million napkins at dining halls. Surveys (N = 573) were used to measure message viewership, and attitudes toward mindfulness. Results: While only a few small significant effects for students who read the messaging were found (e.g., increases in self-efficacy for keeping ones phone out of sight while speaking with someone), napkins appeared to be a successful channel for reaching students. About 97% of students who dined in-person indicated they saw the napkin messaging. Additionally, students were more likely to read the napkin messaging when dining in-person rather than when they took their food "to-go." Conclusion: Future research should continue to test napkins' efficacy as a messaging channel for health messaging for college students.
Descriptors: Dining Facilities, Eating Habits, Communication (Thought Transfer), Written Language, Metacognition, Health Promotion, Undergraduate Students, Program Effectiveness, Universities, Reader Response
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A