COVID-19 Misperceptions and Masking Compliance: A Support Marshaling Analysis

Misperceptions strongly influence the extent to which individuals comply with preventative measures. Social support from others, particularly given widespread mistrust in news media among those holding misperceptions, plays an important role in shaping compliance with preventative measures. The impact of social support, however, is not straightforward and not all support results in greater compliance. The goal of this study is to examine the role of COVID-19 misperceptions in shaping support marshaling and its associations with emotions about masking as well as compliance with masking measures. The findings broadly identify that those who engage avoidance support marshaling are likely fostering echo-chambers, reinforcing misperception and emotions about masking that limit their willingness to comply. Alternatively, those who are approaching support are likely encountering diverse opinions and increasing the opportunity to discuss misperception that influences emotions in ways that may foster more compliance. Implications of these findings for theory and methodological development are discussed.