Abstract

Many models, theories, and frameworks of information management incorporate the concept of anticipated response to sharing information. These models, however, do not consistently conceptualize or operationalize anticipated response. This dissertation project consisted of two studies. The first study explored the conceptualization of anticipated response and developed measurement. The second study continued to validate the anticipated response measures created and tested how information, relationship, and response attributes predict anticipated response. Measured variables included anticipated response, anticipated outcome, relational evaluation, information assessment, efficacy, self-concealment, responsiveness, and likelihood of disclosure. Results supported the dimensional structure, validity, and reliability of the anticipated response measure created. The studies additionally verified the utility of information, relationship, and response attributes in predicting anticipated response to disclosure of personal/private information. The dissertation also discusses findings, implications, limitations, and directions for future research. The conceptual and operational clarity of the concept of anticipated response presented in this dissertation will augment existing information management models and contribute to future work in this area.