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The Handbook of Inoculation Theory and Practice

Bobi Ivanov (Edited by), Ivanov (Author), Kimberly A. Parker (Edited by), Josh Compton (Edited by)

9781394199358, Wiley

Hardback, published 19 January 2026

512 pages
28 x 19 x 2.8 cm, 1.243 kg

Provides an in-depth account of inoculation theory across multiple disciplines and applied contexts worldwide

Inoculation theory has become one of the most influential frameworks for understanding how people resist persuasion, misinformation, and undue influence. Despite its wide-ranging application in fields as diverse as political communication, health promotion, advertising, organizational management, law, and public relations, much of the available literature on inoculation remains scattered across journal articles and limited book chapters. The Handbook of Inoculation Theory and Practice addresses this critical gap by offering a single, authoritative resource that brings together the full scope of theory, research, and application.

Spanning 35 chapters organized into three major sections, the Handbook provides unparalleled depth and breadth. The opening section traces the foundations of inoculation theory, its historical development, and evolving conceptual frameworks. The second section addresses issues of study design, measurement, and analytic strategies essential to advancing inoculation research. The volume concludes by highlighting applications across a wide spectrum of contexts, including politics, health, sports, crisis communication, gaming, education, journalism, public policy, and beyond. Featuring contributions from leading scholars, each chapter delivers both rigorous theoretical grounding and forward-looking perspectives that reveal how inoculation continues to shape communication practice and research.

Mapping what inoculation theory has achieved while exploring its enduring potential in confronting today’s complex communication challenges, The Handbook of Inoculation:

  • Integrates classical perspectives with cutting-edge research and applications
  • Explores a wide range of real-world contexts, from misinformation and conspiracy theories to health and political messaging
  • Offers practical strategies for designing effective inoculation-based communication interventions
  • Identifies emerging questions and future directions for inoculation research and practice

The Handbook of Inoculation: Theory and Practice is an essential reference for graduate students, scholars, and practitioners working in communication, psychology, sociology, political science, marketing, public health, and related disciplines. It is especially relevant for advanced courses in persuasion, social influence, communication theory, social psychology, and resistance to persuasion, and serves as a foundational resource for researchers and professionals seeking to apply inoculation strategies in diverse contexts.

Notes on Contributors xi

Acknowledgements xviii

Introduction to Inoculation Theory and Strategy 1
Bobi Ivanov, Kimberly A. Parker, and Josh Compton

Part 1 Theory

1 Origins of Inoculation Theory 15
John A. Banas and Elena Bessarabova

2 Threat 29
Josh Compton

3 Inoculation Theory and Counterarguing 43
John A. Banas and Elena Bessarabova

4 Inoculation Theory Then and Now: Extending the Boundaries of Theory and Practice 57
Alicia M. Mason Copyrighted Material

5 Beyond Threat and Counterarguing: A Consideration of Additional Inoculation Theory Mechanisms 69
Shelley L. Wigley and Michel M. Haigh

6 The Nature of Resistance: Mechanisms in Inoculation Theory vis- à- vis Alternative Theories/Models 83
Lijiang Shen

7 Exploring the Interplay of Temporal Factors and Resistance Within Inoculation Theory 97
Jacob J. Matig

8 Persuasive Inoculation Message Design Features: Style, Language, Content, and Structure 109
Bobi Ivanov and Lindsay L. Dillingham

9 Inoculation: Length and Modality 123
Sarah A. Geegan and Kimberly A. Parker

10 (Mis)Matching in Inoculation: The Impact of Composition, Strength, Structure, and Modality Between and Within Established Positions and Messages 137
Bobi Ivanov and Amanda R. Slone

11 The Use of Humor and Narratives in the Inoculation Process 151
Juliana L. Barbati

12 Affect, Motivation, and Resistance in Inoculation 165
Claude H. Miller

13 After Inoculation: Persuasive Attack as the Understudied Second Pillar 179
Lindsay L. Dillingham

Part 2 Inoculation Theory Study, Design, Measurement, Analysis, and Application

14 Inoculation Study Designs, Methods, and Procedures 193
Stephen A. Rains

15 Best Practices for Modeling the Inoculation Process 207
Adam S. Richards

16 Inoculation Message Design and Strategic Application 223
Bobi Ivanov

Part 3 Strategic Contextual (Practical) Application

17 Consumer Inoculation: The Inoculation Paradigm at the Consumer- Organization Interface 239
Yufei Qiu and Sven Mikolon

18 Public Relations and Corporate Image: Leveraging Inoculation to Build Trust, Foster Relationships, and Navigate Reputational Crisis 251
Sarah A. Geegan, Danielle E. Jaffe, and Ansley M. George

19 Inoculation Theory and Politics 265
Wayne Wei- Kuo Lin, Josh Compton, and Bobi Ivanov

20 Preventing Violence Through Inoculation: Strategic Counter- Messaging to Undermine Beliefs and Attitudes that Justify Harm 279
Kurt Braddock

21 Inoculation Strategy for the Promotion of Healthy and the Prevention of Risky Behaviors 293
Kimberly A. Parker and Sarah A. Geegan

22 Inoculation Against Misinformation: Theoretical and Practical Implications 307
Rakoen Maertens, Jon Roozenbeek, and Sander van der Linden

23 Inoculation Theory at the Intersection of Disasters and Catastrophes 321
Christine Gilbert, Kenneth Lachlan, and Patric R. Spence

24 Inoculation Theory, Family, and Interpersonal Relationships 333
Josh Compton

25 Inoculation Theory and the Media 345
Anne Amegbeha Amissah, Fidelis Y. Sesenu, and Kimberly A. Parker

26 Inoculation and Culture 359
Elena Bessarabova, Neil Talbert, Emmanuel Odunfa, Marisa Penkauskas, and Maleeha Shahid

27 Inoculation Theory and Legal Communication 371
Josh Compton and Peter Reilly

28 Inoculation in Education, Instruction, and Training Contexts 385
Amanda R. Slone

29 Inoculation Theory and Sport, Exercise, and Physical Activity 399
Kaila Putter, Timothy Budden, James Dimmock, and Luke Tomlin

30 Inoculation in Organizations, the Workplace, and Small Groups: Current and Future Directions 411
Samantha N. Pfeiffer and Kimberly A. Parker

31 Inoculation Theory and the Communication of Scientific Findings 423
William J. Burns and Timothy L. Sellnow

32 Inoculation Theory and Public Policy 435
Jiawei Liu, Yiwei Xu, and Jeff Niederdeppe

33 Additional Issues and Topics in Inoculation Theory Research 447
Josh Compton

Conclusion: Lessons Learned and the Future of Inoculation Theory, Research, and Strategy 461
Bobi Ivanov, Kimberly A. Parker, and Josh Compton

Index 483

Subject Areas: Sociology & anthropology [JH]
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