Is Processing COVID-19 Information Effective for Wearing Masks? The Effect of Information Processing on Preventive Intention

Abstract

This study explores the effects of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) risk perception and negative affective responses on related information processing and preventive intention using an extended risk information seeking and processing (RISP) model. A nationwide online survey was conducted in South Korea. The results revealed that a stronger perceived risk of COVID-19 was associated with more negative affective responses, such as fear or nervousness, which acted as a driving force for seeking information. Negative affective responses were not only antecedents of information insufficiency but also mediators of the relationship between risk perception, information insufficiency, and information processing. Supplementary systematic processing was used as the perceived need for risk information intensified, which increased preventive intention. However, a higher perception of having sufficient risk-related information was associated with a more pronounced tendency toward heuristic information processing. The theoretical and practical implications are discussed.