The perception of risk messages regarding electromagnetic fields: extending the extended parallel process model to an unknown risk.

Health communication · 1998 · Unclear · Insufficient evidence

← Research stream
UnclearInsufficient evidencePaper 4045

In a study where 251 participants received either a low- or high-threat EMF risk message plus a list of exposure-reduction control measures, results suggested the Extended Parallel Process Model can be extended to an unknown risk context (EMFs).

Study snapshot

PublicationHealth communication · 1998
Study typeother
Reported directionUnclear
Evidence ratingInsufficient

Abstract

The Extended Parallel Process Model (EPPM) was developed as a model to assist in the development of effective risk communication messages, specifically messages that elicit adaptive behavioral responses. It has shown to be effective in several settings invoking clearly delineated dangers (e.g., safety belt usage, condom usage).Unfortunately, communicating risk messages is not always so straightforward. One increasing concern in the risk communication field is the controversy over electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and the uncertain hazards they present to individuals. The purpose of this study is to test the EPPM with this unknown risk and to explore which type of risk message may motivate adaptive behavioral responses. In accordance with the EPPM model, 251 participants received either a low- or high-threat risk message and a list of control measures they could use to reduce their exposure to EMFs. Results suggest that the EPPM model can be extended to an unknown risk.

Machine Enhanced Logic

AI evidence extraction

Structured fields below were generated from the paper’s abstract and metadata to make the evidence easier to inspect. Automated extraction may be incomplete or incorrect; verify important details against the original paper.

Study typeother
Effect directionunclear
PopulationParticipants (not further described)
Sample size251
ExposureNot supplied
Evidence strengthInsufficientConfidence: 66% · Peer reviewed: yes

Main findings

In a study where 251 participants received either a low- or high-threat EMF risk message plus a list of exposure-reduction control measures, results suggested the Extended Parallel Process Model can be extended to an unknown risk context (EMFs).

Outcomes measured

  • Risk message perception
  • Adaptive behavioral responses (motivation/intent)
  • Extended Parallel Process Model (EPPM) applicability to EMF risk communication

Limitations

  • No EMF source, frequency, or exposure metrics described in the abstract
  • Population characteristics not described in the abstract
  • Specific outcome measures and quantitative results not reported in the abstract
View raw extracted JSON
{
  "study_type": "other",
  "exposure": {
    "band": null,
    "source": null,
    "frequency_mhz": null,
    "sar_wkg": null,
    "duration": null
  },
  "population": "Participants (not further described)",
  "sample_size": 251,
  "outcomes": [
    "Risk message perception",
    "Adaptive behavioral responses (motivation/intent)",
    "Extended Parallel Process Model (EPPM) applicability to EMF risk communication"
  ],
  "main_findings": "In a study where 251 participants received either a low- or high-threat EMF risk message plus a list of exposure-reduction control measures, results suggested the Extended Parallel Process Model can be extended to an unknown risk context (EMFs).",
  "effect_direction": "unclear",
  "limitations": [
    "No EMF source, frequency, or exposure metrics described in the abstract",
    "Population characteristics not described in the abstract",
    "Specific outcome measures and quantitative results not reported in the abstract"
  ],
  "evidence_strength": "insufficient",
  "confidence": 0.66,
  "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
  "keywords": [
    "electromagnetic fields",
    "EMF",
    "risk communication",
    "Extended Parallel Process Model",
    "EPPM",
    "threat messages",
    "perceived risk",
    "behavioral responses"
  ],
  "suggested_hubs": []
}
AI can be wrong. Always verify against the paper.

AI-extracted fields are generated from the abstract and metadata and may be incomplete or incorrect. This material is for informational purposes and is not medical advice.

Identifiers and source

DOI: 10.1207/s15327027hc1003_4
PubMed: 16370985

Read the original paper →

Related papers

← Back to the Research Library