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Experimental Paradigm for Measuring the Effects of Self-distancing in Young Children
Published on: March 1, 2019
Self-efficacy, social distancing, and essential worker status dynamics among SGM people
Gabriel Robles1, Daniel Sauermilch2, Tyrel J Starks3,4
1School of Social Work, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ. United States.
Abstract:
As of October 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has accounted for over 210,000 deaths in the U.S. Sexual and gender minority populations are more likely to work in essential industries while bearing a disproportionate burden of the virus. Constructs consistent with Protection Motivation Theory (perceived severity, vulnerability, self-efficacy, and response efficacy) were measured using an abridged version of Kleczkowski et al.'s 4-factor Protection Motivation Theory Psychological Measures to examine social distancing behaviors of these populations. 32.6% of the sample were essential workers. Greater self-efficacy predicted stricter social distancing behaviors. Non-essential and unemployed worker statuses were associated with increased odds of stricter social distancing behaviors relative to essential worker status. Essential worker status predicted lower self-efficacy. The indirect effect of essential worker status on social distancing through self-efficacy was significant. Findings suggest that interventions that encourage social distancing through enhanced self-efficacy may optimize health for sexual and gender minority essential workers.
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