Testing a susceptibility threshold for risk promotion messages in the shark diving context. Issue 5 (3rd May 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lapinski, Maria Knight; Neuberger, Lindsay; Grayson-Sneed, Katelyn; Gore, Meredith L.
• Is Part Of: Journal of risk research. Volume 23:Issue 5(2020)
• Page Start: 626
• Page End: 641
• Publication Date: 2020-05-03
• Subjects: Risk messages -- severity -- susceptibility -- sensation-seeking -- fear appeals -- sharks; Technology -- Risk assessment -- Periodicals; Risk management -- Periodicals; Risk assessment -- Periodicals; 658.155
• DOI: 10.1080/13669877.2019.1617337
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1366-9877

Abstract

Abstract: This paper presents the results of two experiments designed to test a susceptibility threshold in the shark cage diving context, positing that persons who are high relative to low sensation-seekers are more likely to approach risks that are portrayed as scary and moderately probable. The results of study one provide evidence for the susceptibility threshold showing high sensation-seekers having greater behavioral intent to engage in risk behaviors when a message portrays a scary but only moderately probable risk. The second experiment finds high susceptibility messages result in more negative attitudes and behavioral intentions. Implications for risk message design and theory are addressed.