Predicting Information Behaviors in the Covid-19 Pandemic

Integrating the Role of Emotions and Subjective Norms into the Situational Theory of Problem Solving (STOPS) Framework

Bibliographic Data

ID21617221
AuthorsHyo Jung Kim (0000-0002-7564-827X, Pusan National University), Hyehyun Hong (0000-0001-9879-3464, Chung-Ang University, corresponding author)
Year2022
Volume37
Issue13
Pages1640-1649
Publication date2022-11-10
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueHealth Communication (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1041-0236 • E-ISSN: 1532-7027
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/10410236.2021.1911399
PMID33876657
OpenAlexW3155531674
LanguageEN
Citations received18
References cited55

This study examined individuals' information behaviors in the COVID-19 pandemic. It applied the situational theory of problem solving (STOPS) and integrated the role of two negative emotions (i.e., fear and anger) and subjective norms into the framework. A survey of 627 South Korean adults was conducted in March 2020, when the country experienced an early but rapidly accelerating pandemic stage. The results of structural equation modeling demonstrated that in addition to confirming the major propositions of STOPS, three situational perception variables (i.e., problem recognition, involvement recognition, and constraint recognition) were highly associated with an individual's fear and anger regarding the COVID-19 outbreak. However, only fear significantly affected situational motivation in problem-solving and information behaviors (i.e., information-seeking, forwarding, and permitting). The study discusses the theoretical and practical implications of the findings

Anger · Cognitive psychology · Pandemic · Perception · Situation awareness · Situational ethics · Structural equation modeling · Behavioral Health and Interventions · Computer Science · COVID-19 Pandemic Impacts · Cultural Differences and Values · Mathematics · Medicine · Psychology · Social Psychology

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