Examining the Pathways From Information Acquisition to Preventive Behaviors: The Information-Response Model

Abstract

This study proposed an information-response model, which hypothesized that information acquisition determines individuals’ preventive behaviors during the pandemic through cognitive, affective, and instrumental processes. Through a two-wave survey (N = 1,501) conducted in Hong Kong, results revealed that information acquisition was associated with perceived risk, perceived efficacy, affective response, and preventive behaviors. Moreover, source trust was positively related to information utility, which mediated the effect of information acquisition on perceived efficacy and affective response. Our research model contributes to theories of information behavior by highlighting the role of instrumental factors necessary for individuals to translate information into preventive actions.