A New Look at Vaccination Behaviors and Intentions: The Case of Influenza.

ABSTRACT: Although viral outbreaks are increasing, vaccination rates are decreasing. Our aim was to explain this baffling behavior that seems to contradict rational self-interest, and, thus, be beyond the purview of rational choice theories. We integrated fuzzy-trace theory and major theoretical alternatives and applied them to influenza, testing theoretical predictions in two samples: young adults (who are major viral vectors), N = 722, and community members, N = 185. Controlling for prior knowledge and other psychosocial factors that influence vaccination, explained variance jumped significantly when key predictors from fuzzy-trace theory were added, reaching 62% and 80% for vaccination intentions and 37% and 59% for behavior for each sample, respectively. Single items assessing glob

SUBMITTER: Reyna VF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12729583 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature