Situational theory

Situational theory explains how people's communication behaviors are influenced by their specific circumstances and information needs. It suggests that individuals decide to seek, process, or share information based on factors like their awareness of a problem, the level of involvement they feel, and whether they believe their actions can make a difference. For example, someone might ignore health advice until they experience symptoms, at which point their awareness and concern increase, prompting more active engagement. This theory helps explain why some people respond to issues differently depending on their unique situations and perceptions.