Exploring Differences in Crisis Literacy and Efficacy on Behavioral Responses during Infectious Disease Outbreaks
Exploring Differences in Crisis Literacy and Efficacy on Behavioral Responses during Infectious Disease Outbreaks
Abstract: This study examined the effects of literacy and efficacy on individuals’ protective action taking and information seeking during the early phase of infectious disease outbreaks through a nationally representative survey of 1,164 U.S. adults. New measures of disaster literacy and crisis efficacy were tested. Overall, results revealed that crisis efficacy and organizational efficacy drove protective action taking and information seeking intentions, while health literacy did not. Disaster literacy negatively predicted both protective action advice seeking and information seeking. The findings highlight the importance of strengthening public efficacy and improving relationships between health authorities and the public, which is greatly influenced by the public’s confidence in the health authority’s management of the crisis.
Related Research
-
Anatomy of Governance: An Inquiry into the Hidden Foundation of Crisis ManagementYan Jin (Chair). “Anatomy of Governance: An Inquiry into the Hidden Foundation of Crisis Management.” Accepted for Panel Session at BledCom (The 33rd International Public Relations Research Symposium), June 26-27, 2026, […]
-
Issue support, identity fit, and moral evaluation: Examining consumer responses to CEO advocacy on contested issuesZifei Fay Chen, Xu, D., Tao, W., & Jingyuan Kong (Grady Ph.D. student) (March 2026). Issue support, identity fit, and moral evaluation: Examining consumer responses to CEO advocacy on contested issues. […]