Extended Parallel Process Model

Abstract

This entry provides an overview of the extended parallel process model (EPPM), which was advanced to help explain why fear appeal messages might succeed or fail. In addition to introducing the EPPM, this entry will also (i) define fear appeals, (ii) summarize results from three recent meta‐analyses regarding fear appeals in general and the EPPM in particular, (iii) identify two noteworthy gaps in EPPM research, and (iv) provide a few recommendations for those wishing to develop effective fear appeal messages.