"The McSpoons": Using puppetry's narrative impact to reduce family TV time

• Published in: Arts & health Vol. 2; no. 1; pp. 47 - 66
• Main Authors: Escobar-Chaves, Soledad Liliana, Shegog, Ross, Markham, Christine, Brehm, Brenda J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Abingdon Taylor & Francis Group 01.03.2010; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Behavior modification; childhood obesity prevention; educational entertainment; Families & family life; Health behavior; narrative impact; Narratives; Public television; Puppetry; television; Television programs
• ISSN: 1753-3015; 1753-3023
• DOI: 10.1080/17533010903031416

Objective: To develop a theoretically based puppetry intervention, The McSpoon Family puppet show, and evaluate its narrative impact on families' intentions to reduce television (TV) time. Methods: Development of The McSpoons was guided by the application of theory and empirical evidence using an Intervention Mapping framework. A single group post-test design (n = 19 family dyads) assessed narrative impact and feasibility. Results: Parents (89.5%) and children (83.3%) reported intentions to reduce TV time over the next three months; and both parents (84%) and children (83%) perceived The McSpoons as a beneficial motivator for them to do so. The puppet show positively impacted knowledge, was highly rated on credibility and likability for story, props and characters, and compared favorably to other educational delivery channels. Conclusions: The narrative impact of puppetry, enhanced with the application of educational and behavioral theory, makes it a potentially efficacious way of engaging families in health behavior change.