The two faces of fear: A history of hard-hitting public health campaigns against tobacco and AIDS

Publication Details

Authors: AL Fairchild, R Bayer, SH Green, JK Varma, et al.

Year: 2018

Source: American Journal of Public Health

Publisher: ajph.aphapublications.org

Citations: 64

Citations per Year: 9.14

DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2018.304516

Google Scholar Rank: 28

Author Count: 4

Abstract

Fear is now commonly used in public health campaigns, yet for years ethical and efficacy-centered concerns provided a challenge to using fear in such efforts. From the 1950s through the present, this historical analysis examines the evolution of fear-based messaging in public health campaigns, specifically focusing on tobacco control and AIDS prevention efforts. The study traces how public health professionals navigated ethical concerns while developing increasingly sophisticated fear-based communication strategies.

Key Findings

• Historical evolution of fear-based public health messaging
• Ethical considerations and professional debates analysis
• Comparative effectiveness of tobacco and AIDS campaigns
• Public health communication strategy development over time
• Lessons for contemporary health promotion efforts

Research Impact

This historical analysis (64 citations) provides critical insights into the evolution of public health communication strategies, informing contemporary debates about fear-based messaging ethics and effectiveness in health promotion campaigns.

Publication Access

Full Text: American Journal of Public Health

PDF Download: Available PDF

Citation Information: Google Scholar Citations