Applying regulatory fit theory and cultural values orientation to predict effectiveness of public service advertising appeals

While there is support for regulatory fit theory in predicting the communication effectiveness of promotion-framed and prevention-framed messages in advertisements, it is not certain if the theory can be extended to predict the effectiveness of promotion-oriented and prevention-oriented advertising appeals. This study examines the interplay of regulatory focus as well as the endorsement of collectivism and individualism among adolescents in predicting the perceived effectiveness of promotion-oriented and prevention-oriented public service advertising appeals. Data was collected from a convenience sample of 407 Chinese secondary school students aged 12 to 19 in Hong Kong. Results support the regulatory fit theory. Among the respondents, vertical collectivism was not a significant predictor for the perceived effectiveness of either promotion- or prevention-oriented appeals. Horizontal individualism was a significant predictor for the perceived effectiveness of the loss avoidance PSA appeal. Respondents’ horizontal collectivism scores were positive predictors for the perceived effectiveness of both promotion and prevention-oriented appeals.