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Appealing to Fear: A Meta-Analysis of Fear Appeal Effectiveness and Theories

Appealing to Fear: A Meta-Analysis of Fear Appeal Effectiveness and Theories

Appealing to Fear: A Meta-Analysis of Fear Appeal Effectiveness and Theories

Psychological Bulletin

Psychological Bulletin

Psychological Bulletin

Melanie B. Tannenbaum et al. (2015)

Meta-analysis of 127 fear appeal studies, resolving decades of conflicting findings. Fear motivates action — but only when paired with clear, credible efficacy messages that give audiences a path forward.

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Decorative Graphic
Decorative Graphic

understories.io

OPEN SOURCE• RESEARCH-BACKED

• HUMAN-CENTERED

© 2026, caroline prak

Decorative Graphic
Decorative Graphic

understories.io

Open source • RESEARCH-BACKED • HUMAN-CENTERED

© 2026, caroline prak