Background: Although research has shown that interpersonal
communication about health issues influences health campaign effects, little is known about
aspects that may influence these effects. In the context of binge drinking, this study
investigates conversational valence, peer popularity, peer preference, self-persuasion, and
other-persuasion in interpersonal communication and their effects on variables identified in
the theory of planned behavior (TPB). Methods: Undergraduate students (N = 115) participated in
a two-wave study. TPB variables and peer popularity were assessed at the first wave. One month
later, participants, in dyads, discussed alcohol consumption followed by an assessment of
conversational valence, peer preference, and again TPB variables. Findings: Individuals’ TPB
variables were influenced in line with conversational valence. For example, a positive
conversational valence resulted into more positive binge drinking attitudes. It was also
demonstrated that participants were not only influenced by others but also by themselves. An
interaction effect between peer popularity and conversation valence was revealed. Peer
preference yielded no significant effects. Discussion: These findings suggest that
conversational valence, other-persuasion, self-persuasion, and peer popularity are relevant
aspects of interpersonal communication.
