Current research on ELF‑EMF risk perception is fragmented, often isolating cognitive, affective, or contextual determinants. The work of UGent addresses this gap by developing an integrated theoretical framework tailored to ELF‑EMF. The model synthesizes established constructs from health‑risk perception and behavior research to explain how individuals interpret exposure, how these interpretations evolve, and how they translate into actions such as avoidance, information seeking, or engagement in public debate.
By consolidating dispersed conceptual elements, the framework aims to guide future empirical studies, support evidence‑informed risk communication, and contribute to more coherent policy development regarding ELF‑EMF.
Based on this specific and validated theoretical model, we are constructing an operationalization in the form of a structured questionnaire. This instrument will capture the cognitive, affective, and contextual components specified in the framework. It will be administered both to a representative sample of the general population and to individuals who self‑identify with electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS), enabling comparative analyses of risk perception profiles and behavioral responses across groups.
This will enable policymakers, researchers, and other stakeholders to communicate more effectively and in a more targeted manner about the health risks associated with ELF‑EMF.

More information coming soon