Tracy Epton

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Dr. Tracy Epton’s research sits at the vital intersection of health psychology and behavior change, with a particular focus on how people process and act upon health-risk information. Her most influential work has reshaped our understanding of the “precaution adoption process,” demonstrating how emotional responses, such as fear and worry, interact with cognitive appraisals to drive protective behaviors. Notably, her studies on the psychological impact of receiving genetic risk information for conditions like type 2 diabetes have provided critical insights into why some individuals take action while others disengage. With over 10 citations on her pioneering 2012 roadmap for robot companions empowering older people, Dr. Epton has also contributed to interdisciplinary conversations on aging and technology. Her work is widely cited for its rigorous experimental designs and its practical implications for public health messaging, making her a key voice in understanding how to effectively communicate risk and motivate lasting health behavior change.