Optimism and Fear of Infection as Predictors of Observing Stay-at-Home Recommendations During COVID-19 Pandemic

According to COVID-19 research, the introduction of a self-isolation and quaran¬tine regime is an effective measure contain pandemic. The article examines problem psychological factors observing stay-at-home recommendations, among which main attention paid two types optimism in pandemic situation: constructive defensive optimism. It was assumed that they would have opposite effect on adherence regime, negative be mediated by decrease illness anxiety or fear infection. To test this hypothesis, longitudinal study (with interval six weeks) carried out sample 306 students (89% women) using life orientation test, scales Gordeeva et al., situation questionnaire Tkhostov Rasskazova. results confirm our hypotheses: people who adhere recommendations are characterized higher level construc¬tive optimism, i.e. believe their efforts will help prevent infection spread virus. In contrast, demonstrate unrealistic is, issue coronavirus exaggerated, less admit do not strictly requirements self-isolation. These indicate that, addition dispositional specific essential explaining health behavior, with latter type serving as response associated disease its consequences.