Fear and protection from COVID-19

“In the context of COVID-19 Fear of illness was associated with protective behavior more strongly than any other variable, even a person’s perceived risk or political preferences” – stated Professor Marie Helug Larsen of Dickinson College, author of the publication in the journal Psychology and Health.

Anxiety and risk

“Anxiety and self-confidence are certainly related, but they do not play the same role in people’s precautionary measures. Our analysis shows that anxiety about understanding the emotional response is stronger. It is interesting at a time when we have a lot of information about personal risk, for example about getting sick in Immediate Neighborhood ”- reported the specialist, quoted by the Polish News Agency (PAP) on Saturday.

The research team conducted, at an interval of two weeks, two questionnaires on more than 700 volunteers At the beginning of the pandemic, in April 2020. Among other things, the researchers asked, it relates to anxiety, a sense of danger, and risk-reducing behaviors such as maintaining social distancing, washing hands, and wearing masks. They linked their responses to local information on the number of cases. As it turns out, people who overestimated the number of cases in the area were more concerned about the pandemic and often took steps to protect themselves. The concern was the most important. According to the researchers, this can be used to create messages for an audience. However, it should be done wisely – underline.

Professor A. said: Heilwig Larsen.

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