How AI threat perception relates to post-adoptive AI agent engagement: the dual paths of self-efficacy and defensive motivation
- 1School of Economics and Finance, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
Abstract
Introduction: As AI evolves into agent-based forms, AI threat perception has become a defining workplace concern. Informed by Cognitive Appraisal Theory and Protection Motivation Theory, this cross-sectional study investigates how AI threat perception relates to post-adoptive AI agent engagement via dual paths of AI self-efficacy and defensive motivation.
Methods: Semi-structured interviews (N = 13) first grounded scale adaptation. Structural equation modeling was then conducted on data collected from 387 knowledge workers, followed by multi-group analysis.
Results: The structural model demonstrates that AI threat perception is indirectly associated with post-adoptive engagement through both mediators, exhibiting an indirect-only pattern. Multi-group analysis further reveals demographic and contextual boundary conditions, showing that higher education significantly amplifies defensive motivation (the link is stronger among postgraduates), while exploratory career-stage and regional comparisons indicate that the self-efficacy pathway is stronger among early-to-mid career professionals and workers in eastern regions.
Discussion: The study highlights the concurrent coexistence of capability beliefs and defensive intentions in post-adoptive use, while pointing to the need for longitudinal research to trace their temporal dynamics. These findings refine our understanding of technology threat perception and inform human-agent collaboration.
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BibTeX
@article{yang2026threat,
title = {{How AI threat perception relates to post-adoptive AI agent engagement: the dual paths of self-efficacy and defensive motivation}},
author = {Guilin Yang and Mingwei Feng and Wanping Yang},
journal = {Frontiers in Psychology},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.3389/fpsyg.2026.1887571},
url = {https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2026.1887571},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - How AI threat perception relates to post-adoptive AI agent engagement: the dual paths of self-efficacy and defensive motivation
AU - Guilin Yang
AU - Mingwei Feng
AU - Wanping Yang
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/22
JO - Frontiers in Psychology
DO - 10.3389/fpsyg.2026.1887571
UR - https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2026.1887571
AB - Introduction: As AI evolves into agent-based forms, AI threat perception has become a defining workplace concern. Informed by Cognitive Appraisal Theory and Protection Motivation Theory, this cross-sectional study investigates how AI threat perception relates to post-adoptive AI agent engagement via dual paths of AI self-efficacy and defensive motivation. Methods: Semi-structured interviews (N = 13) first grounded scale adaptation. Structural equation modeling was then conducted on data collected from 387 knowledge workers, followed by multi-group analysis. Results: The structural model demonstrates that AI threat perception is indirectly associated with post-adoptive engagement through both mediators, exhibiting an indirect-only pattern. Multi-group analysis further reveals demographic and contextual boundary conditions, showing that higher education significantly amplifies defensive motivation (the link is stronger among postgraduates), while exploratory career-stage and regional comparisons indicate that the self-efficacy pathway is stronger among early-to-mid career professionals and workers in eastern regions. Discussion: The study highlights the concurrent coexistence of capability beliefs and defensive intentions in post-adoptive use, while pointing to the need for longitudinal research to trace their temporal dynamics. These findings refine our understanding of technology threat perception and inform human-agent collaboration.
SN - 1664-1078
ER -