Between Bridges and Walls: The Role of Social Representations and Emotions in Protective Policy Acceptance

This study will investigate the interplay between social representations (SR) and emotions in shaping public acceptance of protective policies. Using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) as a guiding framework, it will explore how SR and emotions influence attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control—key factors in determining public support. The research aims to identify drivers and barriers to acceptance, focusing on the social cognitive and emotional mechanisms that underpin public engagement with protective measures. Data from 1,000 participants across 11 countries will be collected, providing a cross-cultural perspective on these dynamics. SR will be elicited through a free recall task, with prototypical analysis in EVOC and IRaMuTeQ used to identify central and peripheral elements that reflect shared cognitive and cultural structures. Emotions will be assessed using the Geneva Wheel of Emotions (GWE), capturing the nuanced emotional responses that shape public judgments and attitudes toward protective policies. The study will highlight how the framing of protective policies interacts with SR and emotions to influence public perceptions. Examining how social cognitive and emotional dimensions interact within the TPB framework will uncover the processes through which framing shapes attitudes, amplifies or mitigates emotional responses, and drives behavioral intentions. This approach will provide a deeper understanding of how protective policies are evaluated and accepted in different social and cultural contexts. The findings are expected to contribute to understanding emotional mechanisms in politics, particularly the role of SR and emotions in shaping public engagement with protective measures. This research will also offer actionable recommendations for policymakers and communicators. By exploring the dynamics of framing, SR, and emotions, the study aims to provide tools for designing and communicating protective policies that foster trust, engagement, and alignment with societal values across diverse contexts.