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.

The Journal of Communication
|September 18, 2025
PubMed
Summary

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.

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