Let me tell you a story: Narrative effects in the communication of stigma toward migrant workers in China

Abstract

ABSTRACTThis study investigated the impact of narratives on urban dwellers’ attitudes toward migrant workers in China. With a 2 (message valence: positive or negative)2 (message type: narrative or description) between-subjects factorial design, 261 participants were randomly assigned to conditions to assess their emotional reactions and stigma toward migrant workers. The results showed that positive messages elicited less negative emotion and stigma compared to negative messages. The effects of message type on stigma differed by message valence. Compared to descriptions, narratives directly reduced stigma in positive conditions, while the relationship in negative conditions was mediated by perceived message believability.