Does information from different sources lead to divergent COVID-19 protective action perceptions? Testing predictions from two frameworks

This paper turns to two popular, multistage risk communication frameworks, the protective action decision model (PADM) and social amplification of risk framework (SARF), to understand the factors important in COVID-19 vaccine-related decision-making and behaviors. Specifically, we examined how source-specific information seeking (i.e., official vs. unofficial sources) guided by the SARF influenced COVID-19 vaccine perceptions identified in the PADM, and vaccination intention in turn. Survey (N = 205, college students) results revealed that seeking information from official sources was positively associated with vaccine response efficacy perceptions, but not with vaccine risk perceptions, and vaccine response efficacy perceptions were positively associated with vaccination intention. Seeking information from unofficial sources was directly and negatively associated with vaccination intention, but unassociated with vaccine response efficacy perceptions and vaccine risk perceptions. This study provides new insights into the SARF and PADM frameworks and risk-related information seeking, as well as guidance for risk communication practitioners.