Planned Risk Information Research Articles

Explaining Online Information Seeking Behaviors in People With Different Health Statuses: German Representative Cross-sectional Survey

BackgroundWorldwide, the internet is an increasingly important channel for health information. Many theories have been applied in research on online health information seeking behaviors (HISBs), with each model integrating a different set of predictors; thus, a common understanding of the predictors of (online) HISB is still missing. Another shortcoming of the theories explaining (online) HISB is that most existing models, so far, focus on very specific health contexts such as cancer. Therefore, the assumptions of the Planned Risk Information Seeking Model (PRISM) as the latest integrative model are applied to study online HISB, because this model identifies the general cognitive and sociopsychological factors that explain health information seeking intention. We shift away from single diseases and explore cross-thematic patterns of online HISB intention and compare predictors concerning different health statuses as it can be assumed that groups of people perceiving themselves as ill or healthy will differ concerning their drivers of online HISB. Considering the specifics of online HISB and variation in individual context factors is key for the development of generalizable theories.ObjectiveThe objective of our study was to contribute to the development of the concept of online HISB in 2 areas. First, this study aimed to explore individual-level predictors of individuals’ online HISB intention by applying the postulates of PRISM. Second, we compared relevant predictors of online HISB in groups of people with different health statuses to identify cross-thematic central patterns of online HISB.MethodsData from a representative sample of German internet users (n=822) served to explain online HISB intentions and influencing patterns in different groups of people. The applicability of the PRISM to online HISB intention was tested by structural equation modeling and multigroup comparison.ResultsOur results revealed PRISM to be an effective framework for explaining online HISB intention. For online HISB, attitudes toward seeking health information online provided the most important explanatory power followed by risk perceptions and affective risk responses. The multigroup comparison revealed differences both regarding the explanatory power of the model and the relevance of predictors of online HISB. The online HISB intention could be better explained for people facing a health threat, suggesting that the predictors adopted from PRISM were more suitable to explain a problem-driven type of information-seeking behavior.ConclusionsOur findings indicate that attitudes toward seeking health information online and risk perceptions are of central importance for online HISB across different health-conditional contexts. Predictors such as self-efficacy and perceived knowledge insufficiency play a context-dependent role—they are more influential when individuals are facing health threats and the search for health information is of higher personal relevance and urgency. These findings can be understood as the first step to develop a generalized theory of online HISB.

The Public's Risk Information Seeking and Avoidance in China During Early Stages of the COVID-19 Outbreak.

This study uses the Planned Risk Information Seeking Model (PRISM) to estimate the public's information seeking and avoidance intentions during the COVID-19 outbreak based on an online sample of 1031 Chinese adults and provides support for the applicability of PRISM framework in the situation of a novel high-level risk. The results indicate that information seeking is primarily directed by informational subjective norms (ISN) and perceived seeking control (PSC), while the main predictors of information avoidance include ISN and attitude toward seeking. Because ISN are the strongest predictor of both information seeking and avoidance, the way the public copes with COVID-19 information may be strongly affected by individuals' social environment. Furthermore, a significant relationship between risk perception and affective risk response is identified. Our results also indicate that people who perceive greater knowledge of COVID-19 are more likely to report greater knowledge insufficiency, which results in less information avoidance.

Risk Here vs. Risk There: Intention to Seek Information About Gulf Coastal Erosion

ABSTRACT The Gulf coast is losing land to erosion at a rapid rate. Applying the planned risk information seeking model (PRISM; Kahlor, L. (2010). PRISM: A planned risk information seeking model. Health Communication, 25(4), 345–356), this survey research examines the cognitive and affective determinants of individuals’ intention to seek information about Gulf coastal erosion, and the moderation effect of geographic distance on the proposed relationships through multigroup Structural Equation Modeling. Results showed that PRISM performs well in this novel context, confirming its robustness. Further, the relationship between knowledge insufficiency and information seeking intent was stronger for Gulf residents than residents of other states. The results suggested that PRISM can increase its explanatory power by including a psychological distance factor. Also, communication about Gulf coastal erosion to local residents should focus on their lack of knowledge of this risk.

A Cross-Cultural Comparison of an Extended Planned Risk Information Seeking Model on Mental Health Among College Students: Cross-Sectional Study.

BackgroundApproximately 42.5 million adults have been affected by mental illness in the United States in 2013, and 173 million people have been affected by a diagnosable psychiatric disorder in China. An increasing number of people tend to seek health information on the Web, and it is important to understand the factors associated with individuals’ mental health information seeking. Identifying factors associated with mental health information seeking may influence the disease progression of potential patients. The planned risk information seeking model (PRISM) was developed in 2010 by integrating multiple information seeking models including the theory of planned behavior. Few studies have replicated PRISM outside the United States and no previous study has examined mental health as a personal risk in different cultures. ObjectiveThis study aimed to test the planned risk information seeking model (PRISM) in China and the United States with a chronic disease, mental illness, and two additional factors, ie, media use and cultural identity, among college students.MethodsData were collected in both countries using the same online survey through a survey management program (Qualtrics). In China, college instructors distributed the survey link among university students, and it was also posted on a leading social media site called Sina Weibo. In the United States, the data were collected in a college-wide survey pool in a large Northwestern university.ResultsThe final sample size was 235 for the Chinese sample and 241 for the US sample. Media use was significantly associated with mental health information–seeking intentions in the Chinese sample (P<.001), and cultural identity was significantly associated with intentions in both samples (China: P=.02; United States: P<.001). The extended PRISM had a better model fit than the original PRISM.ConclusionsCultural identity and media use should be considered when evaluating the process of mental health information seeking or when designing interventions to address mental health information seeking.

Understanding Risk Information Seeking and Processing during an Infectious Disease Outbreak: The Case of Zika Virus.

This study draws on the Planned Risk Information Seeking Model (PRISM) to assess Zika virus information seeking and systematic processing, paying particular attention to the relationship between perceived knowledge and knowledge insufficiency. Novel risks, such as Zika, provide an interesting context for examining whether information-seeking models, such as PRISM, are able to predict information seeking when available information is limited or scarce. A cross-sectional, online study of men and women of childbearing age (N = 494) residing in the state of Florida was conducted. Our results provide some support for the PRISM for predicting Zika information seeking intention, as well as systematic processing of information. We also found that individuals with high levels of perceived knowledge were more likely to report high level of knowledge insufficiency, illustrating that contextual factors may impact the fit of risk information seeking models.

Environmental Risk (and Benefit) Information Seeking Intentions: The Case of Carbon Capture and Storage in Southeast Texas

ABSTRACTAmericans remain relatively unaware of the risks and benefits associated with carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology, including its role in combating CO2 emissions as a means to address climate change. Our goal is to determine factors that might help build awareness and knowledge of CCS so that citizens can make informed decisions about it. Specifically, we focus on perceived risks, benefits and emotions associated with CCS and intentions to seek information about it. We surveyed 970 adults from a region of Texas that has seen recent growth in the application of CCS technology. Consistent with prior research, most respondents were not aware of CCS or the risks and benefits associated with it. To explore CCS-related information -seeking intent, we sought guidance from the planned risk information -seeking model, which identifies factors that contribute to intentions to seek information about risk-related topics. The majority of the hypothesized relationships were supported, and the model accounted for 48% of the variance in intent to seek information about CCS risks and benefits. Furthermore, perceived benefits and hope played significant roles in explaining information-seeking intent. Implications for better engaging the public with the topic of CCS are discussed.

No Regrets When It Comes to Your Health: Anticipated Regret, Subjective Norms, Information Insufficiency and Intent to Seek Health Information from Multiple Sources

ABSTRACT Research suggests that a search for health information from diverse sources is crucial for obtaining accurate and quality information. As a result, this study examines motivators of intentions to use multiple information sources. Our guiding framework is the planned risk information seeking model, which poses a direct relationship between seeking-related subjective norms and information seeking intentions, and an indirect relationship between those two variables through information insufficiency (or perceived need for more information). To further explore these relationships, we integrate a novel variable, anticipated regret, as an additional mediator of both relationships. The information seeking behavior of interest in this study is intention to seek information through multiple sources. Survey results from 379 undergraduate students show that seeking-related subjective norms are positively related with information insufficiency through regret, and positively related with seeking intent through regret and information insufficiency. The implications of these findings are discussed.

Public perceptions and information seeking intentions related to seismicity in five Texas communities

Texas has experienced levels of seismicity comparable to areas of California in recent years, and seismologists suggest that the increased activity in Texas is likely the result of human activities associated with oil and gas extraction. However, the general public is largely unaware of induced seismicity and related risks. To better understand this lack of awareness and how it might be addressed, we sought guidance from Kahlor's (2010) planned risk information seeking model to explore the social-psychological factors that are likely to influence Texan's intentions to seek information about the potential risks posed by earthquakes. We test the model using data collected from residents in five Texas communities that have varied experiences with seismicity. The data supports the model: the variance in intentions to seek information about earthquake risks were largely explained by positive attitudes towards seeking such information, perceived control over the ability to seek such information, perceived social pressure related to seeking such information, perceived earthquake risks, risk-related emotion (e.g., worry) and a perceived need for more information about earthquake risks. The study highlights the applicability of this risk information-seeking model to the context of seismic risk, and suggests ways in which scientists and communicators might engage the public more effectively with the topic.

Planned Risk Information Avoidance: A Proposed Theoretical Model

AbstractRisk information avoidance is widespread, and happens in contexts ranging from the personal to civic spheres. Disciplines from communication to psychology have been exploring the avoidance phenomena for decades, yet we lack a unifying theoretical model to understand it. To develop such a model, we start with the planned risk information-seeking model (PRISM) and explore its tenets, and related research, as they apply to information avoidance. We end with a theoretically sound planned risk information avoidance (PRIA) model and accompanying propositions in three overarching areas: cognitive, affective and socio-cultural. This model shows promise in advancing our collective understanding of the PRIA phenomenon.

Risky Politics: Applying the Planned Risk Information Seeking Model to the 2016 U.S. Presidential Election

News coverage of the 2016 U.S. presidential election periodically framed the election in terms of risk. We sought to better understand the role of perceived risk and related emotional responses in shaping information seeking intent during the election. We turned to the planned risk information seeking model as our theoretical framework and tested the model using online panel data collected in the month preceding Election Day 2016. Given the divisive nature of the presidential campaign, we also conducted multigroup comparison using ideology as a grouping variable. The model shows excellent fit to the data, accounting for more than half of the variance in seeking intent for both conservatives and liberals. Most interesting was that anger was negatively related to seeking intent among the conservatives but not the liberals, suggesting a sort of shutdown among certain respondents. Overall, our results suggest that the model provides a theoretically rich starting place for the study of risk information seeking in the context of electoral politics and raises some interesting questions for future research.

Does Context Matter? Examining PRISM as a Guiding Framework for Context-Specific Health Risk Information Seeking Among Young Adults

Research indicates that when people seek health information, they typically look for information about a specific symptom, preventive measure, disease, or treatment. It is unclear, however, whether general or disease-specific theoretical models best predict how people search for health information. We surveyed undergraduates (N = 963) at a large public southeastern university to examine health information seeking in two incongruent health contexts (sexual health and cancer) to test whether a general model would hold for specific topics that differed in their immediate personal relevance for the target population. We found that the planned risk information seeking model was statistically a good fit for the data. Yet multiple predicted paths were not supported in either data set. Certain variables, such as attitudes, norms, and affect, appear to be strong predictors of intentions to seek information across health contexts. Implications for theory building, research methodology, and applied work in health-related risk information seeking are discussed.

Information-Seeking as a Precaution Behavior: Exploring the Role of Decision-Making Stages

The Planned Risk Information Seeking Model (PRISM) was employed to explain people’s information-seeking intentions in the context of hydraulic fracturing. Stages from the Precaution Adoption Process Model (PAPM) were included in the analysis as a moderator. The PRISM fit the data well. Moreover, results showed overall model differences among people who have not decided to take action on hydraulic fracturing, people who have decided to take action, and people who have decided not to take action. Findings provided justifications for tailored messages to encourage information seeking among the varying publics.

Seeking Information About Climate Change

This study replicates and extends the planned risk information seeking model (PRISM) in the context of impersonal risk by incorporating media use as an antecedent of risk information seeking intention. Results indicate that the model applies equally well to Singaporeans’ climate change information seeking intention as it does in the context of personal health information, suggesting that the model is generalizable across different risk and cultural contexts. Findings suggest that media use is an important source of perceived knowledge and, indirectly, sufficiency threshold, which clarifies the role of actual information seeking in risk perceptions and future information seeking.

Predicting Cancer Risk Knowledge and Information Seeking: The Role of Social and Cognitive Factors

This study tests an expanded Structural Influence Model (SIM) to gain a greater understanding of the social and cognitive factors that contribute to disparities in cancer risk knowledge and information seeking. At the core of this expansion is the planned risk information seeking model (PRISM). This study employed an online sample (N = 1,007) of African American, Hispanic, and non-Hispanic White adults. The addition of four cognitive predictors to the SIM substantially increased variance explained in cancer risk knowledge (R2 = .29) and information seeking (R2 = .56). Health literacy mediated the effects of social determinants (socioeconomic status [SES] and race/ethnicity) on cancer risk knowledge, while subjective norms mediated their effects on cancer risk information seeking. Social capital and perceived seeking control were also shown to be important mediators of the relationships between SES and cancer communication outcomes. Our results illustrate the social and cognitive mechanisms by which social determinants impact cancer communication outcomes, as well as several points of intervention to reduce communication disparities.

PRISM: A Planned Risk Information Seeking Model

Recent attention on health-related information seeking has focused primarily on information seeking within specific health and health risk contexts. This study attempts to shift some of that focus to individual-level variables that may impact health risk information seeking across contexts. To locate these variables, the researcher posits an integrated model, the Planned Risk Information Seeking Model (PRISM). The model, which treats risk information seeking as a deliberate (planned) behavior, maps variables found in the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB; Ajzen, 1991) and the Risk Information Seeking and Processing Model (RISP; Griffin, Dunwoody, & Neuwirth, 1999), and posits linkages among those variables. This effort is further informed by Kahlor's (2007) Augmented RISP, the Theory of Motivated Information Management (Afifi & Weiner, 2004), the Comprehensive Model of Information Seeking (Johnson & Meischke, 1993), the Health Information Acquisition Model (Freimuth, Stein, & Kean, 1989), and the Extended Parallel Processing Model (Witte, 1998). The resulting integrated model accounted for 59% of the variance in health risk information-seeking intent and performed better than the TPB or the RISP alone.