This study aims to investigate the effect of fear appeal and efficacy of health
campaign message on users’ perceived fear level, perceived efficacy level, message
acceptance, and message resistance. In this process, the influence of fear appeal
and efficacy is examined based on Extended Parallel Process Model(EPPM). 156
adults were randomly assigned to messages with two different level of fear
appeal(high/low) and two different level of efficacy. Results showed that the main
effect of fear appeal in campaign message on perceived severity was found.
Interaction between fear appeal level and efficacy level on response efficacy was
also found. In addition, interaction between efficacy level and depression experience
on message attitude was found. Similarly, interaction between efficacy level and
counseling experience on message attitude was also found. The results have
important implications for health communication and PR research by suggesting importance of tailoring based on audience features.