From information to action: modelling social and cognitive factors in health decisions.

ABSTRACT:

Background

This study examines the social and cognitive factors influencing health decisions to adopt protective behaviors in a U.S.

Sample

A theoretical framework was developed, incorporating key variables such as perceived severity, perceived vulnerability, use of formal and informal health information, conspiracy beliefs, and political ideology. The protective behaviors studied included mask-wearing and vaccination intentions.

Methods

This study employed a cross-sectional design to explore how cognitive appraisals and socio-political factors influence health decisions. Data were collected from 742 U.S.-based participants via Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk) between January 28-30, 2023.

Results

Perceived vulnerability and perceived severity had distinct effects

SUBMITTER: Yu J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11806782 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature