Using Video Testimonials as a Social Marketing Intervention in Adolescent Smoking Cessation Programs

This study aimed to examine the effects of the antecedent and moderator variables of empathic concern on altruistic motivation in context of adolescent smoking prevention. We designed a school-based smoking cessation program as a social marketing intervention tool to influence high-school student behavior using a testimonial video. A simulation with a hypothetical scenario was conducted to observe students’ reactions to the stimulus. Participants were shown a testimonial video of a young individual suffering due to smoking, and were asked to imagine such consequences happening to their own peers. The program development started in June 2022, and was implemented in August-September 2022. A total 78 students from two experimental studies was participated. We recorded the video testimony in a high-definition format (full HD 1080p/60fps) using a Sony Alpha 6000. Video editing was performed using Camtasia Studio 2019 in mp4 format. The implications of this research suggest that schools, as organizations, can utilize a multimedia approach (e.g., video testimonials) to design comprehensive social marketing programs focused on peer relationships.