Book chapter
Cancer Information Overload and Message Fatigue: The Overload-Fatigue Model and Dispositional Origins
Evolving Journalism Research Methods, pp.306-322
Routledge
2026
DOI: 10.4324/9781032621548-29
Abstract
Past research has identified two negative message perceptions-information overload and message fatigue-that appear to be relatively prevalent and problematic. The current study engages three pressing questions about overload and fatigue, including (1) whether the two constructs are distinct, (2) how they relate and if they can be theorized as part of a larger model, and (3) whether and how they relate to individual difference variables such as fatalism, pessimism, and boredom. In a survey of U.S. adults (N = 5,776), overload and fatigue were found to be highly correlated (r = .55, p < .001), yet distinct constructs. Consistent with the overload-fatigue model, information overload was positively related to fatigue which, in turn, was negatively related to behavior change. From a dispositional standpoint, fatalism emerged as a possible catalyst of both constructs. Findings provide researchers with multiple models and hypotheses to engage in future overload/fatigue research.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Cancer Information Overload and Message Fatigue: The Overload-Fatigue Model and Dispositional Origins
- Creators
- Jakob D. JensenRachel A. KatzHelen M. LillieManusheela PokharelDallin R. AdamsSean Upshaw
- Contributors
- Michael P. Boyle (Editor)Adam M. Rainear (Editor)
- Resource Type
- Book chapter
- Publication Details
- Evolving Journalism Research Methods, pp.306-322
- DOI
- 10.4324/9781032621548-29
- Publisher
- Routledge; Abingdon, Oxon
- Alternative title
- The Overload-Fatigue Model and Dispositional Origins
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 2026
- Academic Unit
- Communication Studies
- Record Identifier
- 9984966338302771
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