Multi-stage decision-making in ChatGPT adoption

A cognitive appraisal perspective

Authors

  • Isha Srivastav Galgotias University, India
  • Ashish Singh Galgotias University, India
  • Anamika Pandey Galgotias University, India
  • Suruchi Pandey Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies
  • Hemlata Gaikwad Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32674/0pyrx664

Keywords:

Technology, User emotions, MSDM, GenAI

Abstract

This study aims to develop and empirically validate a comprehensive multi-stage decision-making (MSDM) model to explain users’ intention to adopt ChatGPT (Generative AI). Based on cognitive appraisal theory, the model conceptualizes three stages of adoption: (Cognitive) primary appraisal, (emotional) secondary appraisal, and Physical outcome, integrating six key antecedents: social influence (SI), hedonic motivation (HM), facilitating conditions (FC), performance expectancy (PE), effort expectancy (EE), and emotion (EMO) on willingness to use or reject. Using data from 372 prospective ChatGPT users, the findings reveal that SI, HM, and FC positively influence PE and EE. In turn, PE and EE shape users’ emotional responses, which ultimately determine their willingness or objection to adopt ChatGPT. The results show that ChatGPT adoption is a dynamic, stage-wise process driven by interconnected cognitive, motivational, and emotional factors. By offering a structured and integrative framework, this study advances understanding of GenAI adoption and offers valuable insights for researchers and practitioners to examine user behavior and design effective AI-enabled tools & services.

Author Biographies

  • Isha Srivastav, Galgotias University, India

    Research Scholar at Galgotia University

  • Ashish Singh, Galgotias University, India

    Professor at Galgotia School of Business, Galgotia University, Noida

  • Anamika Pandey, Galgotias University, India

    Galgotias University, Greater Noida, U.P., India

  • Hemlata Gaikwad, Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies

    Associate Professor , Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies, SIU

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Published

2026-11-02

Issue

Vol. 16 No. 20 (2026): Journal of International Students

Section

Beyond the Digital Divide (Editor: Anuj Kumar)

Categories

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Isha Srivastav, Ashish Singh, Anamika Pandey, Suruchi Pandey, Hemlata Gaikwad

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

How to Cite

Srivastav, I., Singh, A. ., Pandey, A. ., Pandey, S., & Gaikwad, H. (2026). Multi-stage decision-making in ChatGPT adoption: A cognitive appraisal perspective. Journal of International Students, 16(20). https://doi.org/10.32674/0pyrx664