Abstract
Applying the situational theory, this study examines the extent to which citizens recognize bioterrorism as a social issue, their level of involvement with it, and how their perceptions of it affect communication and protective behaviors. A national sample survey (N = 363) showed that problem recognition was positively related to information seeking and processing while constraints recognition was negatively related to information seeking and processing. Involvement was positively related to information seeking. Respondents were segmented into four public types based on media consumption habits, source trust evaluations and intentions to perform recommended behaviors.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 60-62 |
| Number of pages | 3 |
| Journal | Public Relations Review |
| Volume | 34 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Mar 2008 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Bioterrorism
- Public segmentation
- Situational theory
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Communication
- Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management
- Marketing