Factors influencing health anxiety: the stimulus–organism–response model perspective
基于刺激-有机体-反应框架，研究元认知信念和灾难性误解在刺激因素与健康焦虑之间的中介作用，利用218份问卷数据验证模型。
Purpose With the popularity of the internet, access to health-related information has become more convenient. However, the easy acquisition of e-health information could lead to unfavorable consequences, such as health anxiety. The purpose of this paper is to explore a set of important influencing factors that lead to health anxiety. Design/methodology/approach Based on the stimulus–organism–response (S-O-R) framework, we propose a theoretical model of health anxiety, with metacognitive beliefs and catastrophic misinterpretation as the mediators between stimulus factors and health anxiety. Using 218 self-reported data points, the authors empirically examine the research model and hypotheses. Findings The study results show that anxiety sensitivity positively affects metacognitive beliefs. The severity of physical symptoms has a significant positive impact on catastrophic misinterpretation. Metacognitive beliefs and catastrophic misinterpretation have significant positive impacts on health anxiety. Originality/value Based on the S-O-R model, this paper develops a comprehensive model to explain health anxiety and verifies the model using firsthand data.