Document Type
Article
Publication Date
4-8-2021
Abstract
Our study examines the relationship between news exposure at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, personal threat beliefs, beliefs about others’ threat perceptions, and participation in precautionary actions. A survey of 377 U.S . adults revealed a significant main effect of news exposure on various precautionary behaviors (e.g., facial mask wear, physical distancing). Personal threat beliefs and beliefs about others’ threat perceptions serve as unique mechanisms mediating the effect of news on specific CDC-recommended and less socially desirable actions. These findings can guide news sources covering health crises in a socially responsible manner.
Recommended Citation
Tukachinsky Forster, R., & Vendemia, M. A. (2021). Effects of news and threat perceptions on Americans’ COVID-19 precautionary behaviors. Communication Reports. https://doi.org/10.1080/08934215.2021.1907428
Copyright
Western States Communication Association
Included in
Communication Technology and New Media Commons, Critical and Cultural Studies Commons, Epidemiology Commons, Health Communication Commons, Mass Communication Commons, Other Public Health Commons, Public Health Education and Promotion Commons
Comments
This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published in Communication Reports, volume, issue, in year, available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/08934215.2021.1907428. It may differ slightly from the final version of record.
This scholarship is part of the Chapman University COVID-19 Archives.