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The effect of threat appraisal on adherence to COVID-19 containment measures among young adults in Germany and the Netherlands

Jörgens, J.J. (2021) The effect of threat appraisal on adherence to COVID-19 containment measures among young adults in Germany and the Netherlands.

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Abstract:To decrease the spread of COVID-19, the German and Dutch governments applied different social restriction measures to contain the virus. The adherence to those measures varies. This variability might be based on different perceptions of threat. Earlier literature already found an association between threat appraisal and adherence to COVID-19 rules. Nevertheless, less is known about young adults, who are especially affected by COVID-19 containment measures. Therefore, this study examines the threat appraisal of young adults and its association to adherence to COVID-19 measures. A survey design was used to measure threat appraisal by two concepts (perceived vulnerability and perceived severity). Adherence to containment policies was measured with a set of specific items indicating prevailing COVID-19 rules. Results show that young adults who perceive the threat of COVID-19 as severe, overall adhere more to COVID-19 measures than those who do not perceive COVID-19 as a severe disease. Concluding, young adult’s adherence seems to be more strongly associated with the perceived severity of COVID-19 than with perceived disease vulnerability. Future health communication targeted at improving the adherence of young individuals to COVID-19 measures should focus on providing information about the seriousness of potential health consequences of a COVID-19 infection for young adults.
Item Type:Essay (Bachelor)
Faculty:BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences
Subject:77 psychology
Programme:Psychology BSc (56604)
Link to this item:https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/87416
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