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The interplay between cognitive and affective risks in predicting COVID-19 precautions: a longitudinal representative
Marie Helweg-Larsen1, Laurel M Peterson2, Sarah H DiMuccio3
1Department of Psychology, Dickinson College, Carlisle, PA, USA.
Psychology & Health
|April 7, 2022
Summary
Affective risk, or worry about COVID-19, better predicted precautionary behaviors than cognitive risk. Overestimating outbreak severity also increased worry and precautions, highlighting the role of emotions in public health adherence.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Cognitive risk perception is a key predictor of health behaviors.
- Affective risk (worry) also plays a significant role in health decision-making.
- Understanding the interplay of these risks is crucial for public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the interplay between cognitive risk and affective risk in predicting COVID-19 precautionary behaviors.
- To investigate the role of outbreak severity bias in influencing these risk perceptions and behaviors.
- To assess how these factors predict prevention behaviors and behavioral willingness regarding COVID-19.
Main Methods:
- A representative sample of U.S. adults (N=738) completed two online surveys.
- Cognitive risk, affective risk, and outbreak severity bias were assessed at baseline and follow-up.
- COVID-19 precautionary behaviors, including prevention behaviors and behavioral willingness, were measured.
Main Results:
- Affective risk was a stronger predictor of precautionary behaviors than cognitive risk.
- Outbreak severity bias predicted increased affective risk and subsequent precautions.
- When affective risk was low, higher cognitive risk and outbreak severity bias predicted more precautions.
Conclusions:
- Affective risk and outbreak severity bias are critical components in understanding adherence to COVID-19 precautions.
- Emotional responses and perceived community risk significantly influence health behavior.
- These findings have implications for designing effective public health communication strategies.
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