The role of information quality and efficacy beliefs in predicting Chinese people's information seeking about air pollution risk

Information seeking is suggested as an important precursor of self-protective behavior. Therefore, ways of enhancing information seeking are expected to help individuals' precautionary action under conditions of risk. Builds upon previous efforts, a social-cognitive model of risk information seeking is constructed, presenting a new approach to meet the aforementioned expectation. Data were collected from a sample of Mainland Chinese people (N=1032). Results of path analysis demonstrated satisfactory model fit. Explanations on how the cognitive process resulted in information seeking may create a better understanding of individual behavior. Findings provide practical implications for communicating risks and for helping the public to make better decisions.