Social Distancing in the Context of COVID-19 Anxiety: A Social Cognitive Approach

As the impact of COVID-19 continues, engagement in social distancing is essential. Using Social Cognitive Theory, current study examined unique roles anxiety and self-efficacy on relationships between information-seeking risk perception as predictors intention. A convenience sample 960 adults (<em>M </em>= 37.81 years, <em>SD 11.65) completed an author-designed online survey. Participants measures behavioral intention, information-seeking, perception, anxiety, self-efficacy. Moderated mediations theoretically proposed among variables. moderated relationship self-efficacy, but not association Self-efficacy mediated role intent. was strongly associated with consistent previous research underscoring need to identify factors influencing context a pandemic. Risk both directly indirectly related intention distance, dampening influence perceived The relation suggest adequately describe risk, reduce pandemic-related provide accurate, transparent information.