Abstract

PURPOSE
The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships among gender, information-seeking styles, and high risk behavior in Korean adults.
METHODS
A survey utilizing a structured questionnaire was used to examine the relationships of the study variables. Eight hundred fifty six adults were recruited and this group consisted of 403 females and 453 males. Information seeking style and high risk behavior were measured by Miller Behavioral Style Scale revised by Zurren and Wolfs, and High Risk Behaviors checklist developed by Lee, respectively.
RESULTS
Differences between gender were significant in information-seeking styles and high risk behavior. Monitoring and blunting scores were both higher in female than male, and high risk behavior was higher in males than females. The blunting style was positively related to high-risk behavior and the monitoring style was negatively related to high risk behavior.
CONCLUSION
To intervene with high risk behavior effectively, individual differences such as gender and information seeking style should be considered. In addition, the research about well-designed health information support is needed in the future.

• Keywords: Information; Gender; Health behavior