Who develops pandemic fatigue? Insights from Latent Class Analysis.

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Public Health
• Sociology

Background:

• Pandemic fatigue, characterized by reduced adherence to social distancing guidelines, is a significant challenge in managing COVID-19.
• The emotional burnout associated with the pandemic contributes to pandemic fatigue.
• Understanding the characteristics of individuals experiencing pandemic fatigue is crucial for effective public health strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify distinct groups based on adherence to social distancing guidelines over the past year.
• To characterize individuals experiencing pandemic fatigue (declined adherence) compared to those who remained adherent.
• To explore the psychological and demographic factors associated with pandemic fatigue.

Main Methods:

• Latent Class Analysis was used to analyze data from 5,812 American and Canadian adults.
• Participants were recruited during the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Adherence to social distancing guidelines was assessed to identify different adherence patterns.

Main Results:

• Two distinct groups emerged: a highly adherent group (92%) and a group with declining adherence (8%, pandemic fatigue).
• The pandemic fatigue group reported higher burnout, pessimism, apathy, stress, anxiety, and depression.
• This group also exhibited traits like younger age, perceived affluence, narcissism, entitlement, gregariousness, and prior SARS-CoV-2 infection with perceived threat exaggeration.

Conclusions:

• Pandemic fatigue impacts a notable minority, characterized by negative emotional states and specific demographic/psychological profiles.
• Even socially distanced adherent individuals may experience adverse emotional effects, such as fear of public shame.
• Findings have implications for future public health messaging and interventions regarding social distancing measures.