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Updated: May 31, 2026

An R-Based Landscape Validation of a Competing Risk Model
Published on: September 16, 2022
The distinct role of comparative risk perceptions in a breast cancer prevention program
Amanda J Dillard1, Peter A Ubel, Dylan M Smith
1Department of Psychology, Grand Valley State University, Allendale, MI 49401, USA. dillaram@gvsu.edu
Background:
Comparative risk perceptions may rival other types of information in terms of effects on health behavior decisions.
Purpose:
We examined associations between comparative risk perceptions, affect, and behavior while controlling for absolute risk perceptions and actual risk.
Methods:
Women at an increased risk of breast cancer participated in a program to learn about tamoxifen which can reduce the risk of breast cancer. They reported comparative risk perceptions of breast cancer and completed measures of anxiety, knowledge, and tamoxifen-related behavior intentions. Three months later, the women reported their behavior.
Results:
Comparative risk perceptions were positively correlated with anxiety, knowledge, intentions, and behavior 3 months later. After controlling for participants' actual risk of breast cancer and absolute risk perceptions, comparative risk perceptions predicted anxiety and knowledge, but not intentions or behavior.
Conclusions:
Comparative risk perceptions can affect patient outcomes like anxiety and knowledge independently of absolute risk perceptions and actual risk information.
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