Table 1 Interaction of perceived threat and perceived efficacy to produce EPPMa control responses
S/N | Perceived threat | Perceived efficacy | Type of control responses | Attitudinal dispositions and description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | High | High | Danger control response | Responsive – Individuals are well motivated to undertake preventive and control measures to protect themselves against health risk. Usually manifests in positive changes in attitude, intention, and behavior. |
2 | High | Low | Fear control response | Avoidant – Affected individuals doubt their ability to perform the recommended responses and/or doubt the efficacy of such responses. Such individuals engage in defensive motivation using various psychological defense strategies, including defensive avoidance, denial, and reactance, to control their fears. |
3 | Low | High | Lesser danger control response | Proactive – Individuals taking some protective actions but are not really motivated to do much. |
4 | Low | Low | No control response | Indifferent – Individuals not considering the risk to be real or relevant to them; often not even aware of the risk. Affected individuals do not undertake any measure to protect themselves against health risk. |