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Journal of Pediatric Psychology Advance Access published online on August 18, 2009
Journal of Pediatric Psychology, doi:10.1093/jpepsy/jsp070
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© The Author 2009. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society of Pediatric Psychology. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oxfordjournals.org

Social Referencing "Mr. Yuk": The Use of Emotion in a Poison Prevention Program

Amanda J Pooley, Psych Hon and Laurence Fiddick, PhD

James Cook University

All correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to: Laurence Fiddick, Department of Psychology (SASS), James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Australia. E-mail: larry.fiddick{at}jcu.edu.au


  Abstract

Objective To assess whether disgust, the emotion depicted on poison control "Mr. Yuk" stickers, conveys an age-appropriate message to young children. Methods Two preliminary studies (both N = 48) were conducted with adults to assess what facial expressions of emotion they associated with child and adult violations of precautionary rules. Subsequently, 20 3-year-olds and 35 4-year-olds were tested on age-appropriate scenarios to determine what facial expressions of emotion they associate with accidental poisonings. Results Adults associated violations of precautionary rules, regardless of whether they involved children or adults and physical injury or accidental poisonings, with facial expressions of fear, not disgust. The study conducted with children indicated that they likewise anticipated facial expressions of fear in response to accidental poisonings. Conclusions The disgust displayed on Mr. Yuk stickers does not appear to convey a valid emotional message, regardless of whether the stickers are used for preventive or educational purposes.

Key words: accidents and injuries; children; disgust; facial expression of emotion; fear; Mr Yuk; prevention control; social referencing..

Received May 11, 2008; revision received July 14, 2009; accepted July 15, 2009


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