A theoretical model of cyberchondria development: Antecedents and intermediate processes

Cyberchondria describes excessive online health searches associated with increased emotional distress. While previous research has examined various antecedents of cyberchondria, how regular online health information seeking (OHIS) turns into cyberchondria has received minimal theoretical attention. This study proposes a theoretical model that illuminates the processes of cyberchondria development among individuals who are anxious about their health. Results from an online survey of 426 Chinese Internet users lend support to the proposed theoretical model, which posits perceived health threat of common symptoms as a trigger of health anxiety that motivates OHIS through the perception of information insufficiency. In this process, positive source beliefs strengthen the effect of information insufficiency on OHIS. This study further identifies negative metacognitive beliefs as a boundary condition for how regular OHIS results in cyberchondria. By conceptualizing the processes of cyberchondria development, this integrative model provides guidance for future theory development and testing in this new research area.

Automated summary

This study proposes a theoretical model that explains the development of cyberchondria among individuals who are anxious about their health. Results from an online survey support the model, suggesting that perceived health threat of common symptoms triggers health anxiety, motivating online health information seeking, with positive source beliefs strengthening this process.