Can you handle the truth? Motivational and Emotion Regulatory Antecedents of Selective Exposure to Health Information

The purpose of this study is to empirically validate a theoretical model of motivational and emotion-regulatory antecedents of selective exposure to health information. We implement a 2x2 design with one quasi-experimental (perceived risk of developing a heart disease: high vs. low) and one experimental factor (feedback suggesting an increased risk of developing a heart disease vs. feedback implying no increased risk). We hypothesize that across conditions, approach and avoidance motivation have indirect effects on selective exposure to health information via emotion regulation, self-efficacy and problem coping focus, and that avoidance motivation has a direct effect on emotion coping focus. Furthermore, we hypothesize moderating effects of the experimental condition on specific relationships assumed in the model. Additionally, we propose that negative affective state mediates the effect of emotion regulation on self-efficacy which is suggested in the model. With this study, we hope to shed light on the specific roles of and the interplay between key motivational and emotion-regulatory variables in the context of selective exposure to health information. other