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Age Differences in COVID-19 Risk Perceptions and Mental Health: Evidence From a National U.S. Survey Conducted in March 2020

Author

Listed:
  • Wändi Bruine de Bruin
  • Derek Isaacowitz

Abstract

ObjectivesTheories of aging posit that older adult age is associated with less negative emotions, but few studies have examined age differences at times of novel challenges. As COVID-19 spread in the United States, this study therefore aimed to examine age differences in risk perceptions, anxiety, and depression.MethodIn March 2020, a nationally representative address-based sample of 6,666 U.S. adults assessed their perceived risk of getting COVID-19, dying if getting it, getting quarantined, losing their job (if currently working), and running out of money. They completed a mental health assessment for anxiety and depression. Demographic variables and precrisis depression diagnosis had previously been reported.ResultsIn regression analyses controlling for demographic variables and survey date, older adult age was associated with perceiving larger risks of dying if getting COVID-19, but with perceiving less risk of getting COVID-19, getting quarantined, or running out of money, as well as less depression and anxiety. Findings held after additionally controlling for precrisis reports of depression diagnosis.DiscussionWith the exception of perceived infection-fatality risk, U.S. adults who were relatively older appeared to have a more optimistic outlook and better mental health during the early stages of the pandemic. Interventions may be needed to help people of all ages maintain realistic perceptions of the risks, while also managing depression and anxiety during the COVID-19 crisis. Implications for risk communication and mental health interventions are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Wändi Bruine de Bruin & Derek Isaacowitz, 2021. "Age Differences in COVID-19 Risk Perceptions and Mental Health: Evidence From a National U.S. Survey Conducted in March 2020," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 76(2), pages 24-29.
  • Handle: RePEc:oup:geronb:v:76:y:2021:i:2:p:e24-e29.
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1093/geronb/gbaa074
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    Cited by:

    1. Li, Xinghua & Yang, Yueyi & Guo, Yuntao & Souders, Dustin & Li, Jian, 2023. "Understanding the role of risk perception and health measures in ridesourcing usage in the post-COVID-19 era," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 178(C).
    2. Basnak, Paul & Giesen, Ricardo & Muñoz, Juan Carlos, 2022. "Estimation of crowding factors for public transport during the COVID-19 pandemic in Santiago, Chile," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 159(C), pages 140-156.
    3. Dillard, Amanda J. & Meier, Brian P., 2023. "Getting COVID-19: Anticipated negative emotions are worse than experienced negative emotions," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 320(C).
    4. Chen, Tiantian & Fu, Xiaowen & Hensher, David A. & Li, Zhi-Chun & Sze, N.N., 2022. "Air travel choice, online meeting and passenger heterogeneity – An international study on travellers’ preference during a pandemic," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 165(C), pages 439-453.
    5. Himanshu Grover, 2023. "Public risk perception of covid-19 transmission and support for compact development," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 10(1), pages 1-9, December.

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