Spillover Effects of a University Crisis: A Qualitative Investigation Using Situational Theory of Problem Solving

This study explores spillover effects of one university’s crisis to students from another institution employing the situational theory of problem solving. Defining crisis spillover in terms of problem and involvement recognition, findings from interviews underline organizational, psychological, and communicational aspects that affected students’ perception of the crisis and recognition of its potential spread to their university. This study also highlights how mental associations between two institutions around a critical issue may be mitigated or augmented by individuals’ memories of prior similar events affecting other organizations, recollection of how past issues were handled by their organization, and trust toward their institution.