The Step approach to Message Design and Testing (SatMDT): A conceptual framework to guide the development and evaluation of persuasive health messages

- Overview of the Step approach to Message Design and Testing (SatMDT) framework.
- The SatMDT draws upon relevant social psychological theories and evidence.
- The SatMDT aids health message content development and testing of persuasive effects.
- The SatMDT's feasibility has been examined in the road safety advertising context.
- The SatMDT may have broader appeal for the health persuasion/health advertising context.

This paper provides an important and timely overview of a conceptual framework designed to assist with the development of message content, as well as the evaluation, of persuasive health messages. While an earlier version of this framework was presented in a prior publication by the authors in 2009, important refinements to the framework have seen it evolve in recent years, warranting the need for an updated review. This paper outlines the Step approach to Message Design and Testing (or SatMDT) in accordance with the theoretical evidence which underpins, as well as empirical evidence which demonstrates the relevance and feasibility of, each of the framework's steps. The development and testing of the framework have thus far been based exclusively within the road safety advertising context; however, the view expressed herein is that the framework may have broader appeal and application to the health persuasion context.