Previous research on this topic has predominantly been cross-sectional (measures taken at the same time), meaning that it is not clear whether conditions like anxiety and depression affect people’s risk perceptions about COVID-19 or vice versa. To overcome this, the researchers used longitudinal and genetic data (in addition to cross-sectional data), to reduce the likelihood of reverse causality. They suggest that low wellbeing and depression may play a causal role in COVID-19 risk perceptions, but further studies using causal inference methods in larger samples are needed to test the causality question. 

The researchers also found that higher COVID-19 risk perceptions were related to higher concurrent levels of anxiety, depression, and alcohol use, and lower wellbeing. Higher COVID-19 risk perceptions were also associated with self-isolating given a suspected COVID-19 infection and less face-to-face and physical contact. 

These findings have implications for the understanding and management of COVID-19 in the long-term, and of future pandemics, informing broader pandemic preparedness efforts.

The authors write: “A balanced approach to risk communication and public health messaging is required. As well as promoting public awareness of pandemic-related physical health risks to maintain rational risk perceptions and adherence to government guidelines, political and public health officials must also promote mental health and wellbeing for example by providing reassurance, adaptive coping strategies, and remote interventions to help people manage their worries.” 

The full research paper can be accessed here.

‘Associations between COVID-19 Risk Perceptions and Mental Health, Wellbeing, and Risk Behaviours’ by Dr Maddy Dyer, Dr Hannah Sallis, Dr Jasmine Khouja, Dr Sarah Dryhurst, and Professor Marcus Munafò.