A general model of coping with threatening events, the person-event model, is used to generate predictions concerning the impact of a particular type of communication, the negative threat appeal, on earthquake preparedness. Previous research suggests that exposure to this type of communication can increase level of earthquake preparedness. Using the person-event model as a theoretical framework, the proposed research extends these findings by determining which combinations of levels of the variables typically included in the content of negative threat appeals are most effective in increasing earthquake preparedness. Three studies using experimental methods are planned. The first two studies will be conducted in a laboratory setting with student populations while the third study will be conducted in a field setting with a homeowner population.
