The role of physical and mental health conditions in explaining health information seeking and avoidance behaviors : an application of the planned risk information seeking model

Abstract

Information seeking and avoidance are important coping strategies for individuals dealing with mental and physical health conditions. To explore the mechanisms behind these behaviors, this study applies the Planned Risk Information Seeking Model (PRISM). An online survey of 1,327 individuals with mental or physical health conditions found more similarities than differences in the predictors of both seeking and avoidance behaviors across these groups, supporting the cross-contextual validity of PRISM. Specifically, attitudes toward information behaviors and subjective norms were identified as overarching predictors. By focusing on mental health conditions, which have been studied less frequently, this research shows that mental health information seeking is influenced by one’s attitudes, fears, and hopes, while avoidance is more distinctively shaped by attitudes and subjective norms related to avoidance.