Implicit theories of health predict influenza vaccination intention among elder Chinese: The mediating role of anticipated regret.

This article examines the relationship between implicit theories of health—specifically the belief that health is malleable (incremental theory)—and influenza vaccination intention among elder Chinese, considering whether the vaccine is free or requires payment. The study found that elders endorsing a stronger incremental theory of health reported higher intentions to receive the influenza vaccine, and this association was significantly mediated by anticipated regret, defined as the expectation of future regret for not vaccinating. Anticipated regret was a stronger predictor of vaccination intention than cognitive risk perceptions, suggesting affective factors play a crucial role in vaccination decisions. These findings highlight the potential for interventions targeting anticipated regret and implicit health beliefs to improve influenza vaccination rates among elder Chinese, though the study notes limitations including its cross-sectional design and reliance on self-reported intentions rather than actual vaccination behavior.