A Conditional Process Analysis of Emerging Adults' Motivated Information Management with Parents, Family Conversation Orientation, and Intentions to Vaccinate for COVID-19

Using the theory of motivated information management (TMIM), this study tested the effect of emerging adults' uncertainty discrepancy about COVID-19 vaccines on their intentions to vaccinate. In March and April of 2021, 424 emerging adult children reported on the likelihood of seeking or avoiding information from a parent about COVID-19 vaccines in response to their uncertainty discrepancy and negative emotions related to the vaccines. Results supported the direct and indirect effects specified by the TMIM. Moreover, the indirect effects of uncertainty discrepancy on intentions to vaccinate via the TMIM's explanatory mechanisms were conditioned by family conversation orientation. Consequently, the family communication environment may alter motivated information management in parent-child relationships.