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Using fear appeal theories to understand the effects of location information of patients on citizens during the COVID-19 pandemic

Using fear appeal theories to understand the effects of location information of patients on citizens during the COVID-19 pandemic

Authors :
Wu, Guobin
Deng, Xiaopeng
Liu, Bingsheng
Source :
Current Psychology. July 2023, Vol. 42 Issue 20, p17316, 13 p.
Publication Year :
2023

Abstract

Author(s): Guobin Wu [sup.1], Xiaopeng Deng [sup.2], Bingsheng Liu [sup.3] Author Affiliations: (1) grid.33763.32, 0000 0004 1761 2484, College of Management and Economics, Tianjin University, , 92 Weijin Road, Nankai [...]<br />During the COVID-19 pandemic, understanding the effects of location information of patients has significant theoretical and practical implications for public crisis management and health communication. Based on fear appeal theories, this research proposed a chain reaction model that links physical distance to the nearest patients, which is informed by the location information of patients, citizens' anxiety, attention to information and preventive behaviors. To test the hypothesized model, we conducted a study during the COVID-19 outbreak in mainland China in March 2020. The survey of 2061 people from 244 cities across 30 provinces showed that physical distance to confirmed cases has a significant influence on citizens' anxiety, which in turn can improve their preventive behaviors through the mediating factor of attention to information. In addition, this research also revealed the twofold effects of vertical collectivism as a personality trait on anxiety. These findings will provide support to help governments take actions to reduce citizens' anxiety and promote preventive behaviors.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
10461310
Volume :
42
Issue :
20
Database :
Gale General OneFile
Journal :
Current Psychology
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsgcl.760031464
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-021-01953-8