The problem of the study was the effect of fear-arousing communications upon junior high school students' cognitive, emotional, and behavioral responses within the context of a dental hygiene program. Analysis of the data revealed that the personal performance scores, were initially, significantly (p <= .05) different for the recommendations and low-fear groups. They had cleaner teeth. The recommendations elicited the most positive change, and this extended for a longer period of time. There were no significant differences in any of the other variables. The results were more questionable in cases where threat appeals were used for volunteer subjects. Fear messages elicited less positive change and were seen as being unnecessary in teaching dental hygiene. Behavior, cognition, and emotion, as components of an attitude, were explained as being idependent in threat-appeal research where behavior may change but not attitudes.