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Using curiosity to counter health information avoidance

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  • Horn, Samantha
  • Litovsky, Yana
  • Loewenstein, George

Abstract

Information that is beneficial for health decision-making is often ignored or actively avoided. Countering information avoidance can increase knowledge of disease risk factors and symptoms, aiding early diagnoses and reducing disease transmission. We examine whether curiosity can be a useful tool in increasing demand for, and engagement with, potentially aversive but useful health information.

Suggested Citation

  • Horn, Samantha & Litovsky, Yana & Loewenstein, George, 2024. "Using curiosity to counter health information avoidance," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 340(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:340:y:2024:i:c:s0277953623007402
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.116383
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