Secondary Risk Theory: The Role of Personal Relevance as a Boundary Condition

Applying the secondary risk theory, this study experimentally tested whether highlighting the severity and susceptibility of the risks of mammogram influenced women’s threat appraisal and intention to get a mammogram, accounting for their threat appraisal and efficacy appraisal of the primary risk–breast cancer. Results demonstrated that secondary risk appraisal indeed decreased participants’ intention to get a mammogram. Moreover, personal relevance served as a boundary condition that determined the strength of this relationship.