Worry, Perceived Threat and Media Communication as Predictors of Self-Protective Behaviors During the COVID-19 Outbreak in Europe.

ABSTRACT: Efforts to contain the spread of the coronavirus emphasize the central role of citizens' compliance with self-protective behaviors. Understanding the processes underlying the decision to self-protect is, therefore, essential for effective risk communication during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the present study, we investigate the determinants of perceived threat and engagement in self-protective measures in the United Kingdom, Italy, and Austria during the first wave of the pandemic. The type of disease (coronavirus vs. seasonal flu) and the type of numerical information regarding the disease (number of recovered vs. number of dead) were manipulated. Participants' cognitive and emotional risk assessment as well as self-reported engagement in protective behaviors were measured. Results show th

SUBMITTER: Vacondio M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7921485 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature