Threat Appraisal Research Articles

A longitudinal examination of appraisal, coping, stress, and mental health in students: A cross-lagged panel network analysis.

In their seminal Transactional Theory of Stress, Lazarus and Folkman described a complex adaptation mechanism that involves appraisal and coping processes that lead to the subjective experience of stress. In this study, we examined the temporal order of all components of this theory using a cross-lagged panel analysis. A sample of 354 students (62.10% female, mean age=20.63y.o.) participated in a 5-week study and completed weekly self-reported measures of prospective appraisal, coping, core burnout, and mental health (i.e. depression, anxiety, and stress). Using cross-lagged panel network analyses, we analyzed how each measured variable is predicted by all variables from the previous measurement moment. Convergent with the transactional stress theory, we found that threat appraisals and negative self-perception predicted future anxiety and depression. Contrary to expectations, core burnout and somatization emerged as significant predictors of poor mental health outcomes, suggesting a self-perpetuating spiral. Furthermore, our study highlighted the importance of recognizing the bidirectional connections between appraisals, coping strategies, and mental well-being.

The protection motivation theory as an explanatory model for intention to use alcohol protective behavioral strategies related to the manner of drinking among young adults.

This study aimed to prospectively examine the explanatory value of the protection motivation theory (PMT) for the intention to use manner of drinking protective behavioral strategies (MD PBS) and to explore its invariance across genders. A targeted sampling procedure was used to recruit 339 young adults in the community (Mage = 21.1; SD = 2.21; female = 50.7%) who completed baseline and 2-month follow-up measures of the PMT constructs and intentions to use each of the five MD PBS. Regression analyses revealed that the coping appraisal components (response efficacy and self-efficacy) had greater explanatory power for the intention to use MD PBS than the threat appraisal components (perceived vulnerability and perceived severity). Perceived vulnerability to alcohol consequences was not prospectively associated with any specific behavioral intention or with the total MD PBS score. In contrast, perceived severity was prospectively associated with the intention to use three out of five PBS and the total MD score. Regression coefficients revealed gender invariance for all six models. Our findings suggest that interventions aimed at encouraging young adults to use alcohol MD PBS would be most effective if they included components that enhance self-efficacy in using these strategies and emphasize their perceived usefulness in reducing alcohol-related consequences.

Online cancer information seeking and colorectal cancer screening in China: Considering threat and coping appraisals, and cancer fatalism

BackgroundColorectal cancer is major public health concern in China. This study seeks to explore the role of online cancer information seeking in influencing colorectal cancer screening, by taking into account one’s coping appraisals (i.e., self-efficacy, response efficacy), threat appraisals (i.e., perceived severity, cancer worry) and cancer fatalism. MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted with 730 participants in China recruited from a Chinese survey company’s online panels. Path analysis was performed to investigate the relationships between the key constructs. ResultsFirst, online cancer information seeking increased both coping appraisals and threat appraisals. Second, threat appraisal did not significantly influence cancer fatalism, but coping appraisal reduced cancer fatalism. Third, cancer fatalism had no effects on colorectal cancer screening. Lastly, online cancer information also had a direct and positive relationship with cancer screening. ConclusionsThis research emphasises the need for health organisations to offer timely cancer information to people, and educate them about the importance of cancer screening. Health authorities may also regulate online cancer information to ensure that the information is accurate and appropriate in improving people’s cancer prevention and cancer screening knowledge.

Unraveling the Impact of Team Performance‐Prove Goal Orientation on Employee Creative Performance Through a Transactional Stress Theory Framework

ABSTRACTAlthough research on team performance‐prove goal orientation (TPPGO) has flourished, there remains a scarcity of studies investigating its impact on individual performance. Drawing upon transactional stress theory, our study aims to explore the dual nature of the influence exerted by TPPGO on employee creative performance. Employing a multi‐level regression analysis of 369 two‐stage, multi‐source matched questionnaire responses, we find that challenge appraisal serves as a mediator in the relation between TPPGO and creative performance, while threat appraisal acts as a conditional mediator. Furthermore, subjective goal difficulty moderates the effect of TPPGO on both challenge and threat appraisals, thereby transmitting the positive and negative impacts of TPPGO on creative performance, respectively. Our findings contribute to the existing research by enriching the understanding of how TPPGO impacts creative performance, including its explanatory mechanisms and boundary conditions. Additionally, this study offers valuable suggestions for managers in setting team goals from a dialectical perspective.

A mixed-methods stress audit with midwives in the United Kingdom

ProblemUK midwives report high work-related stress, which can negatively impact their health and wellbeing, with many considering leaving the profession. BackgroundAn occupational stress audit guides the implementation of stress management intervention, by identifying which stressors have the most negative impact and why, and highlighting “at risk” groups. AimTo conduct a concurrent mixed-methods stress audit with UK midwives in an NHS Trust. MethodsSeventy-one midwives (Mage= 39 years, SD = 11) completed a survey assessing stressors (e.g., relationships), stress appraisals (i.e., challenge vs. threat), coping strategies (e.g., avoidance-focused), and outcomes (i.e., mental health, performance, and intention to leave). Ten midwives (Mage = 42 years, SD = 10) participated in semi-structured interviews. FindingsQuantitative data revealed that more work-related demands, poorer peer support and relationships, and threat appraisals predicted worse mental health. Moreover, less control and more work-related demands predicted poorer performance, while less control, poorer manager support, more change-related demands, and threat appraisals predicted greater intention to leave. Qualitative data generated three themes: organisational pressures exacerbated by unexpected changes; individualised responses but largely debilitative emotions; and personal coping and power of social support. Discussion and conclusionThis study offered a comprehensive and novel insight into the stress experiences of UK midwives, highlighting targets for future stress management interventions, including key stressors (e.g., manager support), underlying mechanisms (e.g., stress appraisals), and “at-risk” groups (e.g., night shift workers). Practical recommendations are provided for stakeholders operating at multiple levels (e.g., midwife, trust, policy) to better support midwives with work-related stress.

Exploring the effects of negative supervisory feedback on creativity among research and development personnel: challenge or threat?

Supervisory feedback to stimulate research and development (R&D) employee creativity is a management issue that concerns scholars and practitioners. However, there are divergences and contradictions regarding whether negative feedback promotes or hinders employee creativity. Integrating the feedback intervention and cognitive appraisal theories, we developed a double-edged sword model for negative supervisory feedback's influence on creativity. We tested the proposed model using a field sample of 513 R&D employees from seven science and technology enterprises. The results indicated that R&D employee challenge and threat appraisal moderated negative supervisory feedback's effect on prevention focus and the distal consequences for creativity. Individuals with high (low) levels of challenge (threat) appraisal have decreased prevention focus, thereby increasing their creativity when receiving negative supervisory feedback. In contrast, individuals with low (high) challenge (threat) appraisal have increased prevention focus, thereby decreasing their creativity when receiving negative supervisory feedback. These findings offer interesting implications for research on negative feedback and stimulation of science and technology R&D employee creativity in organizations.

Effects of COVID-19 pandemic areas on green hotel consumption: exploring the congruence effect between location and timing

In the post-pandemic era, tourists are increasingly interested in sustainable consumption, particularly focusing on green hotels. Given the ongoing endemic nature of COVID-19, our research explores the effects of tourists’ residential locations, specifically pandemic-affected areas, on their intention to choose green hotels. Drawing on the Protection Motivation Theory, we discuss how and why residential location influences risk perception, which in turn motivates tourists to contribute to environmental protection by opting for green hotels. Results from five experiments suggest that the influence of pandemic areas on green hotel consumption can fluctuate over time. During the initial outbreak, a positive correlation emerges between tourists’ risk perception and their distance from the pandemic’s epicenter. Those residing in marginal areas show greater threat appraisal and stronger intentions toward choosing green hotels than tourists in central areas. However, this relationship is found to reverse during the mitigation and post-pandemic phases. Furthermore, our research reveals that hotels can significantly sway tourists toward green consumption through the strategic use of hope or fear appeals in advertising. These findings enrich the literature on pandemic-related influences on green consumption and offer practical insights for hotel managers and policymakers seeking to promote sustainable travel more effectively in the post-pandemic era.

The role of social support and social identification in challenge and threat, perceived stress, and life satisfaction

AbstractIndividualistic appraisals have dominated contemporary stress theory and have too often overlooked socially derived perceptions of group resources. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of social support and social identification on individuals' challenge and threat appraisal, perceived stress, and life satisfaction across a range of group contexts. An online survey was completed by 480 participants across four groups: students (n = 110), workplace employees (n = 126), team sport athletes (n = 116), and group exercisers (n = 128) on one occasion. We found a positive relationship between social support and social identification along with significant associations of these social factors being positively related with self‐efficacy, control, approach, and challenge, while negatively related with threat. Avoidance, along with challenge and threat was positively associated with perceived stress, while self‐efficacy was negatively associated with perceived stress. Further, control, self‐efficacy, social identification, and social support was positively associated with life satisfaction, while approach, threat, and perceived stress was negatively associated, with life satisfaction. Social identification also moderated the positive association between social support and life satisfaction. Overall, we found evidence for the resource appraisals outlined in contemporary theory being associated with both social support and social identification, along with perceived stress and life satisfaction across different group contexts. Therefore, when understanding individuals' stress responses and associated life satisfaction, research and practice should consider the combination of individual and social factors.

Influencing Factors of Urban Public Flood Emergency Evacuation Decision Behavior Based on Protection Motivation Theory: An Example from Jiaozuo City, China

Public flood emergency evacuation is an important way to reduce casualties during a flood disaster. In this study, the influencing factors of urban public flood emergency evacuation decision behavior were studied using the protection motivation theory. The measurement index system of influencing factors of urban public flood emergency evacuation decision behavior was constructed from five dimensions (perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, self-efficacy, response efficiency, and response cost) based on the protection motivation theory. The impacts of key influencing factors on flood emergency evacuation decision behavior were analyzed using structural equation modeling. The results showed that (1) the susceptibility assessment and severity assessment of the public in threat appraisal had positive impacts on the process of flood emergency evacuation decision behavior. The direct effects of susceptibility assessment and severity assessment of the public on flood emergency evacuation decision behavior were 0.27 and 0.23, respectively. (2) The self-efficacy assessment and response efficiency assessment in coping appraisal also had positive impacts on the flood emergency evacuation decision behavior; the response efficiency had the greatest impact on the flood emergency evacuation decision behavior, and the standard path coefficients from response efficiency assessment and self-efficacy assessment to flood emergency evacuation decision behavior were 0.37 and 0.17, respectively. (3) The response cost assessment in coping appraisal had negative impacts on the flood emergency evacuation decision behavior, and its standard coefficient was −0.18. Finally, some strategies were proposed to improve the urban public flood emergency evacuation capacity based on this study.

Effects of User Experience in Automated Information Processing on Perceived Usefulness of Digital Contact-Tracing Apps: Cross-Sectional Survey Study.

In pandemic situations, digital contact tracing (DCT) can be an effective way to assess one's risk of infection and inform others in case of infection. DCT apps can support the information gathering and analysis processes of users aiming to trace contacts. However, users' use intention and use of DCT information may depend on the perceived benefits of contact tracing. While existing research has examined acceptance in DCT, automation-related user experience factors have been overlooked. We pursued three goals: (1) to analyze how automation-related user experience (ie, perceived trustworthiness, traceability, and usefulness) relates to user behavior toward a DCT app, (2) to contextualize these effects with health behavior factors (ie, threat appraisal and moral obligation), and (3) to collect qualitative data on user demands for improved DCT communication. Survey data were collected from 317 users of a nationwide-distributed DCT app during the COVID-19 pandemic after it had been in app stores for >1 year using a web-based convenience sample. We assessed automation-related user experience. In addition, we assessed threat appraisal and moral obligation regarding DCT use to estimate a partial least squares structural equation model predicting use intention. To provide practical steps to improve the user experience, we surveyed users' needs for improved communication of information via the app and analyzed their responses using thematic analysis. Data validity and perceived usefulness showed a significant correlation of r=0.38 (P<.001), goal congruity and perceived usefulness correlated at r=0.47 (P<.001), and result diagnosticity and perceived usefulness had a strong correlation of r=0.56 (P<.001). In addition, a correlation of r=0.35 (P<.001) was observed between Subjective Information Processing Awareness and perceived usefulness, suggesting that automation-related changes might influence the perceived utility of DCT. Finally, a moderate positive correlation of r=0.47 (P<.001) was found between perceived usefulness and use intention, highlighting the connection between user experience variables and use intention. Partial least squares structural equation modeling explained 55.6% of the variance in use intention, with the strongest direct predictor being perceived trustworthiness (β=.54; P<.001) followed by moral obligation (β=.22; P<.001). Based on the qualitative data, users mainly demanded more detailed information about contacts (eg, place and time of contact). They also wanted to share information (eg, whether they wore a mask) to improve the accuracy and diagnosticity of risk calculation. The perceived result diagnosticity of DCT apps is crucial for perceived trustworthiness and use intention. By designing for high diagnosticity for the user, DCT apps could improve their support in the action regulation of users, resulting in higher perceived trustworthiness and use in pandemic situations. In general, automation-related user experience has greater importance for use intention than general health behavior or experience.

Reliability and Validity of the Chinese Version of the Threat Appraisal Questionnaire in Assessing Children and Adolescents

Reliability and Validity of the Chinese Version of the Threat Appraisal Questionnaire in Assessing Children and Adolescents

The mixed blessing of work connectivity demands: Self‐regulatory focus as a moderator

SummaryDue to the rapid development of information and communication technologies, employees increasingly feel pressure to engage in work connectivity behavior after regular working hours (WCBA), giving rise to a novel form of job demand known as WCBA demands. This research examined the upside and downside of WCBA demands. Specifically, we defined WCBA demands as stressors that can be appraised by employees as challenges and/or threats. Challenge appraisals are related to job involvement, which in turn leads to job satisfaction and job performance; threat appraisals are related to job‐induced tension, which in turn leads to family dissatisfaction and family incivility. We also examine regulatory focus as a boundary condition underlying the challenge‐threat paradox of WCBA demands. To test the relationships among our hypotheses, we conducted a daily diary survey study of 176 employee‐supervisor‐spouse triads across five consecutive workdays. The findings show that employees with higher levels of promotion focus were more likely to appraise WCBA demands as challenges, which improved their work outcomes via increased job involvement. Employees with higher levels of prevention focus appraised WCBA demands as threats, which undermined their family outcomes via job‐induced tension. Since these findings assume that WCBA demands act as stressors, we conducted a supplemental qualitative study (N = 19) confirming that employees commonly perceive WCBA demands as stressors. The implications for theory and research are discussed.

Vaccination hesitancy: Applying the protection motivation theory on parents’ information behavior

Objectives This research study investigates COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among parents in charge of vaccinating their adolescents. The study employs the threat and coping appraisals of the Protection Motivation Theory as a framework to examine parents’ information behavior toward vaccinating their adolescents. Methods A quantitative research design using online questionnaires was conducted to collect data from Jordanian parents of adolescents aged 12 to 18 years old. Using convenience sampling, 1000 questionnaires with closed-ended and Likert scale questions were distributed electronically, and only 467 response were retrieved. The study used Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to analyze data from 421 responses. Results The study found that the information behavior of parents in dealing with perceived vulnerability and response cost of the virus were significant predictors of parents’ vaccination hesitancy. The study has also found that making a vaccination decision based on the available information, response efficacy, and self-efficacy were not significant predictors of vaccination hesitancy. Surprisingly, having information on the perceived severity of the virus was found to increase vaccination hesitancy. Conclusion The study provides useful demographic information about the targeted population and suggests that vaccination promotion strategies should focus on providing accurate information about vaccine-related vulnerabilities and lowering response costs. The findings add to the existing literature on vaccination apprehension and can help guide future research and policy decisions.

Anti-establishment sentiments: realistic and symbolic threat appraisals predict populist attitudes and conspiracy mentality

ABSTRACT Previous research has found that populist attitudes and conspiracy mentality – here summarised as anti-establishment attitudes – increase when people feel threatened. Two types of intergroup threat have been distinguished, namely realistic threats (pertaining to socio-economic resources, climate, or health), and symbolic threats (pertaining to cultural values). However, there is no agreement on which types of threat and corresponding appraisals would be most important in predicting anti-establishment attitudes. We hypothesise that it is the threat itself, irrespective of its cause, that predicts anti-establishment attitudes. In the current paper, we conducted new (multilevel) regression analyses on previously collected data from four high-powered studies with multiple time points (Study 1) or collected in multiple nations (Studies 2–4). All studies included a populist attitudes scale, a conspiracy mentality scale, and different types of threat and emotion measures, reflecting both realistic and symbolic threats. Across studies, both realistic and symbolic threats positively predicted anti-establishment attitudes. The results support an emotional appraisal approach to anti-establishment attitudes, which highlights the importance of anxiety and feeling threatened regardless of what type of event elicits the threat.

Who's Got My Back? Measuring the Adoption of an Internet-wide BGP RTBH Service

Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks continue to threaten the availability of Internet-based services. While countermeasures exist to decrease the impact of these attacks, not all operators have the resources or knowledge to deploy them. Unwanted Traffic Removal Service (UTRS), being one of the oldest community-based anti-DDoS services aims at mitigating major DDoS attacks through the Border Gateway Protocol (BGP). In this paper we develop and evaluate a methodology to automatically detect UTRS participation in the wild. To this end, we deploy a measurement infrastructure and devise a methodology to detect UTRS-based traffic blocking. Using this methodology, we conducted a longitudinal analysis of UTRS participants over ten weeks. Our results show that at any point in time, there were 562 participants, including multihomed, stub, transit, and IXP ASes. Moreover, we surveyed 245 network operators to understand why they would (not) join UTRS. Results show that threat and coping appraisal significantly influence the intention to participate in UTRS.

Enhancing protection motivation for disaster preparedness among actors at UNESCO-designated heritage sites in Africa

Heritage sites face escalating threats from natural and human-induced hazards, posing risks to centuries of cultural heritage and environmental diversity. Despite this pressing challenge, there is a notable scarcity of qualitative studies linking protection motivation and disaster preparedness in UNESCO-designated sites. Guided by the Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) this study fills this critical gap by examining these aspects within UNESCO-designated sites in Africa. By adopting a directed qualitative content analysis approach, key informant interviews of 21 actors, covering 10 countries provided pertinent data for this study. While threat appraisal was strong, coping appraisal was weak, with partial disaster preparedness among UNESCO actors. Notably, the absence of fear as a predominant motivating factor for protection and disaster preparedness was compensated by other factors namely: a strong sense of heritage stewardship, and sustainability/resilience commitment. These findings extend the PMT framework and advocate for future research integrating elements of place attachment theory. By leveraging these insights, stakeholders can collaboratively enhance preservation efforts, ensuring the long-term sustainability of Africa's cultural and natural heritage.

The Dark Sides of AI Advertising: The Integration of Cognitive Appraisal Theory and Information Quality Theory

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a collection of rapidly evolving disruptive technologies that radically alter various aspects of people, business, society, and the environment. AI increasingly provides significant advertising opportunities for society and business organizations. However, AI could be used to spread disinformation if it were deliberately programmed to produce misleading advertising content. Using cognitive appraisal theory and information quality theory to study how consumers assess threats and develop AI marketing coping strategies from the information generated by AI, this study examines the outcome of the dark side of AI advertising. We collected data from 451 AI-advertising users in Vietnam. The results based on PLS-SEM showed interesting and novelty results. The statistical analysis showed a negative correlation between contextual, representational, accessibility, and threat appraisals. There was also a statistically significant positive correlation between contextual, representational, accessibility, and coping appraisals. Threat appraisals were positively correlated with anger and anxiety but not loneliness. Coping appraisal was significant and negatively correlated with anxiety but not anger or loneliness. This study advances theory and management.

Stimulation of Purchase Behavior Toward Biodegradable Bags: The Role of Green Skepticism

Today, the habit of using light, durable, and disposable plastics that are poorly managed is one of the main reasons for environmental pollution, biodiversity loss, and climate change in Vietnam. Besides, due to the lack of consumption, most plastic companies in Vietnam refuse to switch their production to biodegradable plastic bags. The study is conducted to promote the purchase behavior of biodegradable plastic bags, which can reduce the consumption of non-degradable plastic in Vietnam. A non-probability sampling method was applied, with a sample size of 828 consumers who lived in Southeast Vietnam. SmartPLS software was applied to examine the hypotheses. The results show that attitudes, coping appraisal, and threat positively influence the purchase behavior of biodegradable plastic bags. Green skepticism negatively moderates the relationship between attitudes, coping appraisal, threat appraisal, and purchase intention toward biodegradable plastic bags. This study also added psychological factors, such as green skepticism, to fill the perception-behavior gap from previous studies and extend the protection-motivation theory. Some managerial implications will be proposed for plastic companies in Vietnam to switch their production toward biodegradable plastic bags. Besides, consumers will also be given guidance and encouragement to use these products through integrated marketing communication strategies. Doi: 10.28991/ESJ-2024-08-03-04 Full Text: PDF

Community stewardship to protect coastal and freshwater ecosystems–pathways between recreation and stewardship intentions

Abstract Strengthening community engagement in stewardship can help to improve management of coastal and freshwater environments (blue spaces). Research suggests that recreational users of natural areas may be more willing to engage in stewardship. However, little research at a population scale has examine how recreation experiences shape psychological ingredients for stewardship. We surveyed 3271 residents of South East Queensland, Australia and quantified willingness to engage in blue space stewardship. We then quantified frequency of different types of blue space recreation, perceptions about threats to blue spaces (threat appraisal) and protective actions (coping appraisal), and satisfaction with blue spaces. We then examined pathways from recreation to stewardship intentions using mediation analysis. Results show that many types of recreation were associated with stewardship intentions. Specifically, higher frequency of social activities and nature‐appreciation activities were associated with greater intentions for individual stewardship (e.g. picking up litter, reducing use of household chemicals). Higher frequency of social activities, nature appreciation, exercise and fishing/boating was associated with stronger intentions for collective stewardship (e.g. attending a public meeting or riparian management event) Mediation analysis showed that most forms of recreation did not influence perceptions about severity of threats to blue spaces. Rather, the relationships between recreation and stewardship were mediated by greater place satisfaction, perceived vulnerability to blue space degradation, and feeling more able to contribute to waterway protection (efficacy). These findings indicate that many types of recreation (not just nature appreciation activities) can be a foundation for engaging in nature stewardship, and reinforce the importance of building efficacy when promoting stewardship. The finding that both place satisfaction and perceived vulnerability to environmental degradation suggests that there may be an optimal motivational window for stewardship: people need to connect a place with positive experiences, and have some recognition of a potential threat, but where the potential threat has not yet eroded the natural values of a place. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

"No point worrying" – The role of threat devaluation in information security behavior

Extant information security research is characterized by a focus on problem-focused security behaviours, while overlooking the internal, and emotion-focused coping responses that humans exhibit. Threat devaluation, where severity is downplayed, is an established dimension of risk perception, and yet it has not been considered in information security research to date. We address this gap by developing and empirically testing a research model of how threat and coping factors from Protection Motivation Theory influence both problem-focused and emotion-focused coping responses. Data was collected from 518 users and PLS was used to reveal the determinants of, and the relationship between, problem-focused and emotion-focused coping behaviors. The results demonstrate that threat devaluation is a measurable outcome of all threat and coping appraisals considered, providing evidence that multiple coping strategies may be involved in a security threat situation. We also find that many of the well-established determinants of information security behavior, such as self-efficacy, are significantly related to emotion-focused responses. This has implications for researchers and practitioners who seek to create secure environments where users are more likely to enact constructive and problem-focused security behaviors.