A1 Journal article (refereed)
Understanding the inward emotion-focused coping strategies of individual users in response to mobile malware threats (2022)
Xin, T., Siponen, M., & Chen, S. (2022). Understanding the inward emotion-focused coping strategies of individual users in response to mobile malware threats. Behaviour and Information Technology, 41(13), 2835-2859. https://doi.org/10.1080/0144929x.2021.1954242
JYU authors or editors
Publication details
All authors or editors: Xin, Tong; Siponen, Mikko; Chen, Sihua
Journal or series: Behaviour and Information Technology
ISSN: 0144-929X
eISSN: 1362-3001
Publication year: 2022
Publication date: 25/07/2021
Volume: 41
Issue number: 13
Pages range: 2835-2859
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
Publication country: United Kingdom
Publication language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/0144929x.2021.1954242
Publication open access: Openly available
Publication channel open access: Partially open access channel
Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/77225
Abstract
According to coping theory, individuals cope with information system threats by adopting either problem-focused coping (PFC) or emotion-focused coping (EFC). However, little is known about EFC in the information security (ISec) literature. Moreover, there is potential confusion regarding the meaning of some EFC strategies. Hence, ISec scholars and practitioners may (i) have a narrow view of EFC or (ii) confuse it with other concepts. In this study, we offer one response to this issue. We first address the ambiguity regarding EFC before differentiating five inward EFC strategies and assessing them empirically in the mobile malware context. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to compare several inward EFC strategies in the ISec field.We contribute two new findings on EFC: 1) response efficacy is a crucial factor that impedes users from implementing EFC strategies; 2) avoidance and fatalism significantly impede PFC. Our study also contributes to the ISec literature by categorising EFC into active and passive forms. We showed that individuals’ use of passive inward EFC strategies was positively associated with threat vulnerability. Finally, we provide interesting insights into the complicated responses of individuals to mobile malware threats, presenting implications for ISec research and practice.
Keywords: data security; data systems; threats; safety and security; malware; attitudes; risks; control (prevention); emotions; coping; effects (results)
Free keywords: inward emotion-focused coping; coping theory; protection motivation theory; information security behaviour
Contributing organizations
Ministry reporting: Yes
Reporting Year: 2022
JUFO rating: 2