Applying the theory of motivated information management to family health history

Abstract

This study applied the theory of motivated information management (TMIM) to examine how married couples manage uncertainty about partners' family health history. Spouses reported (N = 626) on TMIM variables and information seeking/provision at Time 1 and on actual information seeking/provision behavior 3 weeks later. Findings largely supported paths proposed in the TMIM, but the model did not predict actual information management behaviors. As the first TMIM study to analyze dyadic, two-wave data, results underscore the interdependent nature of information management processes in that seeker's efficacy assessments were associated with provider's direct information provision, and these effects were mediated by provider's perceptions of seeker efficacy assessments. Information seeker's perceptions did not play as significant a role in the process.

Using the Theory of Motivated Information Management to Understand Direct Information Seeking on COVID-19 from Close Contacts

“…In managing health information, the theory of motivated information management (TMIM) has established factors that would motivate information management in specific health contexts, such as managing health information with romantic partners 3 , talking with family members about organ donation 4 , or family health history. [5][6][7] Others have examined how to cope with sexual health information from best friends 8 , determining end-of-life preferences with spouses 9 , or discussing retirement preferences with romantic partners. 10 TMIM is even applied in the online context, such as understanding how patients with chronic illness seek information from online support groups or how parents manage conflicting online information about childhood vaccination.…”

“…Researchers have also extended their understanding of TMIM by examining the mediating role of efficacy judgments in the information management process. 4,6,9 Thus, this present study will attempt to extend the understanding of TMIM by focusing on the role of target efficacy as a mediating variable in the TMIM framework. Thus, drawing upon TMIM and its impact on decisionmaking regarding COVID-19 direct information sought from close contacts, this study aims to understand the relationship between TMIM variables in the Malaysian context.…”