The role of information avoidance in everyday-life information behaviors

Narayan, Bhuva; Case, Donald O.; Edwards, Sylvia L.

doi:10.1002/meet.2011.14504801085

Cited by 80 publications

(69 citation statements)

References 19 publications

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“…The results presented in Table 1 also provide support for the claim that information avoidance and information seeking are related but might be conceptually distinct (Case et al 2005;Kahlor et al 2006;Narayan, Case, and Edwards 2011). The behavioral indicator of information seeking behavior was not related to attitudes toward red meat and had different relationships with information processing, being positively related to systematic processing and negatively to heuristic processing.…”

Section: Journal Of Risk Researchsupporting

confidence: 59%

“…Several researchers have stressed that seeking and avoiding are related but conceptually distinct, and that it is necessary to understand each concept in its own right (e.g. Case et al 2005;Kahlor et al 2006;Narayan, Case, and Edwards 2011). For instance, screening the news to avoid reading about the risks of red meat (information avoidance) is quite different from not engaging in an online search for more information on the risks of red meat (the absence of information seeking).…”

Section: Information Avoidance and Cognitive Dissonance Theorymentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Researchers on information avoidance assume that information may be avoided because it will cause cognitive dissonance (e.g. Case et al 2005;Narayan, Case, and Edwards 2011). However, it remains unclear if, and how, information exposure induces cognitive dissonance.…”

Section: Information Avoidance and Cognitive Dissonance Theorymentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Avoidance of information is one such factor. It refers to not wanting to know information that will cause uncomfortable conflict in the individuals' minds (Case et al 2005;Narayan, Case, and Edwards 2011). This 'not wanting to know' is an initial barrier to effective risk communication, given that, even if the communication is done in the most effective format and with the most effective content, this information might not be attended to in the first place.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Consumers’ avoidance of information on red meat risks: information exposure effects on attitudes and perceived knowledge

Gaspar

Luís

Seibt

et al. 2015

Journal of Risk Research

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(2015): Consumers' avoidance of information on red meat risks: information exposure effects on attitudes and perceived knowledge, Journal of Risk Research, DOI: 10.1080/13669877.2014 To link to this article: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13669877.2014.1003318 PLEASE SCROLL DOWN FOR ARTICLETaylor & Francis makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of all the information (the "Content") contained in the publications on our platform. However, Taylor & Francis, our agents, and our licensors make no representations or warranties whatsoever as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability for any purpose of the Content. Any opinions and views expressed in this publication are the opinions and views of the authors, and are not the views of or endorsed by Taylor & Francis. The accuracy of the Content should not be relied upon and should be independently verified with primary sources of information. Taylor and Francis shall not be liable for any losses, actions, claims, proceedings, demands, costs, expenses, damages, and other liabilities whatsoever or howsoever caused arising directly or indirectly in connection with, in relation to or arising out of the use of the Content. This article may be used for research, teaching, and private study purposes. Any substantial or systematic reproduction, redistribution, reselling, loan, sub-licensing, systematic supply, or distribution in any form to anyone is expressly forbidden. In accordance with cognitive dissonance theory, individuals generally avoid information that is not consistent with their cognitions, to avoid psychological discomfort associated with tensions arising from contradictory beliefs. Information avoidance may thus make risk communication less successful. To address this, we presented information on red meat risks to red meat consumers. To explore information exposure effects, attitudes toward red meat and perceived knowledge of red meat risks were measured before, immediately after, and two weeks after exposure. We expected information avoidance of red meat risks to be: positively related to (1) study discontentment; and (2) positive attitudes toward red meat; and negatively related to (3) information seeking on red meat risks; and (4) systematic and heuristic processing of information. In addition, following exposure to the risk information, we expected that (5) individuals who scored high in avoidance of red meat risks information to change their attitudes and perceived risk knowledge less than individuals who scored low in avoidance. Results were in line with the first three expectations. Support for the fourth was partial insofar as this was only confirmed regarding systematic processing. The final prediction was not confirmed; individuals who scored high in avoidance decreased the positivity of their attitudes and increased their perceived knowledge in a similar fashion to those who scored low in avoidance. These changes stood over the two-week follow-up period. Results are discussed in accordance with cognitive dissonance theory, with the possible use of su...

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Section: Journal Of Risk Researchsupporting

confidence: 59%

Section: Information Avoidance and Cognitive Dissonance Theorymentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Information Avoidance and Cognitive Dissonance Theorymentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

Consumers’ avoidance of information on red meat risks: information exposure effects on attitudes and perceived knowledge

Gaspar

Luís

Seibt

et al. 2015

Journal of Risk Research

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show abstract

“…There is evidence that individuals seek information that is in line with their current worldview and avoid information that may cause unpleasant feelings or thoughts (Gaspar et al, 2015;Narayan, Case, & Edwards, 2011). In an experimental study, Van Dijk, Fischer, De Jonge, Rowe, & Frewer (2012) found that, following information provision, positive initial attitudes were associated with lower levels of risk perception and higher levels of benefit perception.…”

Section: Initial Attitudementioning

confidence: 99%

Making sense of food risk information : the case of organic food

Hilverda

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Health Information Avoidance

Link¹

2022

The International Encyclopedia of Health Communication

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People do not always welcome health‐ or disease‐related information but instead avoid potentially threatening information about health risks, diagnoses or treatments. This common communication phenomenon or mode of information transaction is called health information avoidance. The entry provides a definition and conceptual clarification showing that avoidance is a purposed decision to avoid attention and exposure to certain information although the information might be of personal relevance. Further, information avoidance is distinguished from related concepts like health information seeking, information ignoring, monitoring, and blunting. The coping and self‐protective functions of health information avoidance are elaborated and positive as well as negative consequences for health and well‐being are described. Health information avoidance is used to cope with emotional burden, but can be counterproductive for health promotion and prevention if it prevents knowledge gain and prevents or delays healthcare uptake or preventive behaviors. With the aim to describe the predictors of health information avoidance, two theoretical frameworks relevant to explain health information avoidance are outlined, which provide a profound basis for empirical testing as health information avoidance is a rather understudied phenomenon and methodological challenges to measure health information avoidance need to be considered.

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The role of information avoidance in everyday-life information behaviors

Cited by 80 publications

References 19 publications

Consumers’ avoidance of information on red meat risks: information exposure effects on attitudes and perceived knowledge

Consumers’ avoidance of information on red meat risks: information exposure effects on attitudes and perceived knowledge

Making sense of food risk information : the case of organic food

Health Information Avoidance

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