Fatalism in the Early Days of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Implications for Mitigation and Mental Health

Frontiers in Psychology

article

Joseph Hayes¹  Laura Clerk¹ 

[1] Department of Psychology, Acadia University

关键词: COVID-19;    fatalism;    social distancing;    mental health;    media messaging;   

DOI  :  10.3389/fpsyg.2021.560092

学科分类：社会科学、人文和艺术（综合）

来源: Frontiers

【 摘 要 】

This research assessed fatalism toward COVID-19 and its role in behavioral intentions to support mitigation efforts (e. g., social distancing) and mental well-being. A COVID-19 fatalism measure was developed, and a messaging manipulation (fatalistic vs. optimistic vs. no message) was created to examine causal links between fatalism scores. Support for mitigation efforts and negative affect (anxiety, fear, depression, and insecurity) were measured to examine the consequences of fatalism toward COVID-19. Results showed that the fatalistic messaging condition increased fatalism whereas the optimistic message reduced it. The effects of the messaging manipulation were also apparent in the downstream measures of support for mitigation and negative affect through the mediator of fatalism toward COVID-19. Specifically, fatalism negatively predicted intentions to support mitigation. Regarding mental health, fatalism was positively associated with depression but negatively associated with fear and insecurity. Implications for COVID-19 mitigation efforts and mental health in the face of the coronavirus pandemic are discussed.

【 授权许可】

CC BY