Statistical framing increased screening intentions while narrative framing increased information-seeking in autism spectrum disorder

This randomized experiment investigated the impact of message type and framing on behavioral intentions related to autism spectrum disorder. The intervention involved presenting messages as either narrative or statistical with gain or loss framing, compared to a no-message control group. The primary outcome measured intentions for early autism screening and information-seeking behavior.

Results indicated that behavioral intentions for early autism screening were higher with statistical messages than narrative messages. Conversely, information-seeking intention was higher with narrative messages than statistical messages. No significant differences were observed between narrative and statistical messages regarding long-term effects. The effect of message type was mediated by transportation and counterarguing in a serial model. Only sympathy served as a predictor of intention among secondary outcomes including hope, sadness, and perceived susceptibility.

Safety data such as adverse events, serious adverse events, discontinuations, and tolerability were not reported. The study design was a randomized experiment, but specific sample size, setting, and follow-up duration were not reported in the input data. Practice relevance and funding conflicts were not reported. Causality cannot be overstated given the lack of reported absolute numbers or p-values for specific comparisons.