Research Article

Undermining Optimistic Denial Reactions to Domestic and Campus Emergency Warning Messages

Published: 2014-7

Journal: Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being

DOI: 10.1111/aphw.12024

Abstract

Background:Individuals who prepare for public emergencies can mitigate the effects of an incident, but denial of personal susceptibility may reduce the likelihood of preparation. Some denial may be due to a positive self‐image that is at odds with being “at risk”. The potential for an enhanced warning message that included a positive image of a protector to circumvent this denial was tested in two studies.Methods:Optimistic denial threat orientation was measured. Then participants received either a traditional or a positive protector warning message about terrorism (Study 1; nationally representative sample of US adults;N= 587) or campus emergency preparation (Study 2; US college students;N= 179).Results:As predicted, in the enhanced image condition optimistic denial was no longer related to stronger denial reactions and lower intentions to protect oneself. In addition, Study 2 tested explanatory mediators and found that negative perceptions of and low similarity to a protector partially explained the denial of those higher in optimistic denial and why their denial was dampened in the positive image condition.Conclusions:An enhanced message including a positive image of protector may be an effective way to encourage protection for those prone to optimistic denial.

Faculty Members

  • Suzanne C. Thompson - Pomona College USA
  • Michele M. Schlehofer - Salisbury University USA

Themes

  • Impact of positive imagery on behavior
  • Emergency preparedness
  • Influence of self-image on decision-making
  • Warning message effectiveness
  • Denial of personal risk

Categories

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