Vulnerability factors for negative emotional reactions after online health information search

Čagalj, Mirna. (2017). Vulnerability factors for negative emotional reactions after online health information search. Diploma Thesis. Filozofski fakultet u Zagrebu, Department of Psychology. [mentor Jokić-Begić, Nataša].

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Abstract

Online health information searching can lead to unpleasant emotions, such as heightened anxiety. Untill now, research has mainly been focused on a concept called cyberchondria, a phenomenon of frequent online search about health related information which is followed by increased anxiety. Considering various definitions of cyberchondria across scientific papers and some other conceptual issues about it, this paper investigates negative emotional reactions to online health information search instead of cyberchondria itself. Online survey was conducted with sample of 507 adults. The aim was to explore contribution of dispositional traits in the developement of negative emotional reactions after online health search. Anxiety sensitivity, looming cognitive style, health anxiety and coping strategies were analysed. The measures used were Anxiety Sensitivity Index, Looming Maladaptive Style Questionnaire, Health Anxiety Questionnaire, COPE Brief and Negative emotional reactions to online health search questionnaire, which was constructed for purposes of this study. Hierarchical regression analysis suggested that health anxiety, physical and psychological concerns, physical looming and avoidance coping predict negative emotional reactions. The most important predictor was health anxiety, which also mediated relationship between psychological concerns and negative emotional reactions.

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