This study examined how perceived threat moderates the effects of message type (humor vs. non-humor) on attitude and behavior intentions toward a mental health public service announcement (PSA) on a college campus. To investigate the relationships, a between-subject experimental survey was employed for 209 undergraduate students. Findings revealed a significant interaction effect between message type and perceived threat on attitude toward the PSA, visiting intention to a health center, and eWOM intention. Moreover, the moderated mediating role of attitude toward the PSA on visiting intention to a health center and eWOM intention was observed.
Keywords: College mental health; humor; perceived threat; public service announcement.