Current state of narrative persuasion research and the process of attitude change

Abstract

Quantitative studies and process models of narrative persuasion published since 2000 were reviewed in order to identify influences of narratives on readers’ attitudes that result from changes in thinking and affect. Firstly, characteristics of narrative persuasion research were briefly introduced by summarizing defi- nitions of narratives and attitudes, and by illustrating typical methodologies of narrative persuasion research. Secondly, theories on the process of narrative persuasion and narrative experiences were reviewed. These models were then integrated and the process of narrative persuasion was categorized into thinking and affective routes, and each process was explained with reference to supportive studies. It was suggested that the affective route currently has stronger empirical support than the thinking route. Finally, topics for future research were suggested, which include closely examining each process, improving meth- odologies, and comprehensively investigating relationships between narrative persuasions and narrative experiences.