Extended parallel process model: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 05:18, 11 February 2022

Revision as of 05:24, 11 February 2022

Line 20:

Fear appraisals are the mental evaluations made in response to experiencing fear-inducing stimuli and are also known as threat appraisals. Fear appeal literature is primarily focused on understanding key fear appraisal processes in humans, with the intention of using it to drive social [[Campaign|campaigns]] and behavioural [[interventions]].<ref name=":1" />

== Components of the EPPM ==

The EPPM uses persuasive fear-inducing messages to induce intended behavioural responses. Wittle details three main processes involved in fear appraisal: the fear appeal ''inputs,'' the ''message processing'' of the inputs, and the ''outputs'', or action taken after evaluating the perceived threat.

=== Fear Appealappeal Inputsinputs ===

[[File:Extended Parallel Process Model.png|400px|thumb|Illustration of the Extended Parallel Process Model.]]According to fear appeal studies, a fear appeal has two components: a component of threat and a component of efficacy. These two components are further divided into two categories each. ''Severity'' and ''susceptibility'' make up the threat component, and ''response-efficacy'' and ''self-efficacy'' make up the efficacy component. These four key factors, as defined by the EPPM, predict the likely outcome of communications that involve a fear appeal:

'''Threat Variablesvariables'''

* ''Susceptibility'' – The perception the individual has of how likely the threat is to impact them.

* ''Severity'' – The perception the individual has of the magnitude of the threat.

'''Efficacy Variablesvariables'''

* ''Self-Efficacyefficacy'' – The perception the individual has that they are competent to perform the tasks needed to control the risk.

* ''Response Efficacyefficacy'' – The perception the individual has that the action, if carried out, will successfully control the risk.

The outcome of fear appeals is determined by an ''appraisal'', that is, the evaluation of the message as either dangerous or indifferent.

=== Fear Appraisalappraisal ===

[[Appraisal theory|Appraisal Theory]] states that an individual makes either an emotional or affective response to external stimuli. The EPPM outlines two primary appraisals an individual makes in response to a fear appeal: a threat appraisal, followed by an efficacy appraisal.

Line 51:

The EPPM predicts three possible outputs after the fear appraisal is carried out:

''';Danger control''' –: When an individual perceives that the severity and susceptibility are high (i.e., high threat appraisal) and also perceives that they are competent to take mitigating action (i.e., high efficacy appraisal), then they are likely to act to control the danger.

''';Fear control'''–: The model predicts that if an individual perceives their ability to control risk as low, even if the severity and susceptibility are perceived as high, they are likely to take steps to control their fear instead. Fear control responses are defined as coping mechanisms that reduce fear and include [[denial]], [[psychological reactance]] and [[Avoidance response|defensive avoidance]]. These are [[maladaptive]] changes, or counterproductive behaviours. Fear controlling behaviour may involve the use of [[cognitive]] [[defence mechanism]]s such as "''It will happen to me sooner or later''", in order to manage the state of [[anxiety]].

''';No Response''' –: The severity or susceptibility of the danger is perceived as low, and the individual rejects the message. There is no behavioural change.

'''Fear control'''– The model predicts that if an individual perceives their ability to control risk as low, even if the severity and susceptibility are perceived as high, they are likely to take steps to control their fear instead. Fear control responses are defined as coping mechanisms that reduce fear and include [[denial]], [[psychological reactance]] and [[Avoidance response|defensive avoidance]]. These are [[maladaptive]] changes, or counterproductive behaviours. Fear controlling behaviour may involve the use of [[cognitive]] [[defence mechanism]]s such as "''It will happen to me sooner or later''", in order to manage the state of [[anxiety]].

'''No Response''' – The severity or susceptibility of the danger is perceived as low, and the individual rejects the message. There is no behavioural change.

== Applications ==