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Updated: Jan 17, 2026

Using the Threat Probability Task to Assess Anxiety and Fear During Uncertain and Certain Threat
Published on: September 12, 2014
Self- and Response Efficacy Information in Fear Appeals: A Meta-Analysis
Elisabeth Bigsby1, Dolores Albarracín2
1Department of Communication, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.
Fear appeals are more effective in driving behavior change when they include positive response efficacy information. Self-efficacy information did not significantly impact outcomes, contrary to prior theories.
Area of Science:
- Health Communication
- Social Psychology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Fear appeals aim to motivate actions to avoid threats.
- Previous research indicates a moderate positive effect of fear appeals.
- The specific roles of response and self-efficacy information remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To meta-analytically examine the individual and combined effects of response and self-efficacy information in fear appeals.
- To assess the impact of these efficacy components on behavioral intentions and actual behaviors.
- To clarify the contribution of different types of efficacy information to fear appeal effectiveness.
Main Methods:
- Conducted a meta-analysis of 158 studies with 19,736 participants.
- Compared the effects of fear appeals with low and no fear controls.
- Analyzed the influence of positive response efficacy, self-efficacy, and negative response efficacy information.
Main Results:
- Fear appeals significantly influenced behavioral outcomes.
- The presence of positive response efficacy information enhanced the impact of fear appeals.
- Including self-efficacy information or negative response efficacy information did not show a significant effect on outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Positive response efficacy is a critical component for successful fear appeals.
- The findings suggest a nuanced understanding of efficacy's role is needed.
- Future interventions should prioritize incorporating positive response efficacy information.
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