Self- versus other-directed outcomes, Machiavellianism, and hypothetical distance in Covid-19 antipandemic messages

Bibliographic Data

ID13920392
AuthorsYidan Huang (0000-0002-2926-0899, Huaqiao University, corresponding author), Shu Yang (0000-0001-7274-8497, Huaqiao University), Jiamin Dai (0000-0002-4934-2760, Huaqiao University)
Year2021
Volume49
Issue3
Pages1-13
Publication date2021-03-10
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueSocial Behavior and Personality An International Journal (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0301-2212 • E-ISSN: 1179-6391
PublisherScientific Journal Publishers Limited (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.2224/sbp.10109
OpenAlexW3139167441
LanguageEN
Citations received4

Public health information with a fear appeal is often used to promote people's positive health intentions. Anchored by the extended parallel process model and trait activation theory, in this study we examined the effects of self- versus other-directed outcomes, Machiavellianism, and hypothetical distance on the effectiveness of fear-appeal information in the context of COVID-19. In an online survey of 303 people in Wuhan, China, we found that respondents high in Machiavellianism reported stronger antipandemic intentions in response to a self-directed compared to an other-directed outcome message. This effect was actualized through the trait of Machiavellianism, moderated by hypothetical distance, and mediated by perceived severity. Our findings have implications for the effective development and delivery of public health information for specific groups, and for encouraging more detailed exploration of personality in relation to epidemiology

Appeal · Big Five personality traits · Context (archaeology · Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19 · Fear appeal · Machiavellianism · Personality · Public health · Trait · Behavioral Health and Interventions · COVID-19 and Mental Health · Psychology · Psychology of Moral and Emotional Judgment · Social Psychology

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