Explaining Gendered Responses to “Help-Self” and “Help-Others” Charity Ad Appeals: The Mediating Role of World-Views

Abstract

Abstract This research investigates gendered responses to self-oriented (help-self) and altruistic (help-others) charitable ad appeals. Results from two studies conducted with U.S. undergraduates show that sex is a determinant of message evaluations, and that variations in moral world-views explain these gendered differences. Study One establishes sex differences in absolute (attitude toward the ad) and comparative (ad preference) judgments toward help-self and help-others ad appeals. Females respond more favorably to the help-others appeal and males to the help-self appeal. Study Two replicates these findings from Study One and demonstrates that sex differences can be explained through a full mediation of world-view values.