First published on July 21, 2020. Examine this message: “Fast food increases your risk for heart disease due to its high content of trans fat”. (Increasing perceived threat level) Cutting back your fast food intake can reduce your risk for heart disease. (Increasing response efficacy) Preparing your meals at home is one way to reduce eating fast food”. (Increasing self-efficacy) 1. Appraising the threat: Elevating the perceived threat level of the reader The first sentence of the message attempts to elevate the threat level perceived by the target audience/ reader. It uses the fear appeal theory. It says, “Fast food…