ICPS
2021 APS Virtual Convention · 2021
Distress and Distrust: How Perceptions of News Accuracy and Emotional Distress Influence Compliance with COVID-19 Health Behaviors
- Isabella Napoletano
Rutgers University - New Brunswick - Joshua Garcia
Rutgers University - New Brunswick - Hannah Brinkman
Rutgers University - New Brunswick - Danielle Hoyt
Rutgers University - New Brunswick - Samantha Farris
Rutgers University - New Brunswick - Teresa Leyro
Rutgers University - New Brunswick
Abstract
We examined how the relationship between perceptions of news accuracy and COVID-health behaviors varied as a function of emotional distress. Results showed people reporting low to moderate anxiety who perceived the news as an overreaction were less likely to engage in protective COVID-health behaviors compared to people reporting high anxiety.
Epidemics and Public Health