The proximal and distal effects of mortality salience on COVID-19-related health perceptions and intentions.

ABSTRACT: Health preventative measures are important in reducing transmission of COVID-19, yet death-related thoughts might hinder preventative action. Using two online samples (N = 948), we examined how mortality salience (MS) may produce health-related proximal and distal defenses relevant to COVID-19, examining health optimism and appearance self-worth as moderators. MS decreased perceived vulnerability as a proximal defense for those with high health optimism (Study 1), while those with low health optimism decreased perceived response efficacy of face masks and intention to wear a protective face mask (Study 2). Additionally, those with high appearance self-worth displayed increased intention to wear an aesthetically appealing face mask as a distal defense to MS (Study 2). Our findings de

SUBMITTER: Fairlamb S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9349686 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature