Situational theory of public participation

The Situational Theory of Public Participation explains how people's willingness to get involved depends on how aware they are of an issue and how personally relevant it feels to them. When individuals recognize a problem and see it as affecting them directly or indirectly, they're more likely to pay attention and participate in related activities. Conversely, if they are unaware or indifferent, their likelihood to engage decreases. This theory helps organizations understand when and why different groups might be motivated to get involved in issues or campaigns.