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Rigo P, Miscioscia M, Spaggiari S, Di Riso D. Do Italian people still wear masks? Analysis of personality and dispositional correlates of facemask use in post Covid-19 scenario. Sci Rep 2023; 13:16538. [PMID: 37783738 PMCID: PMC10545754 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-43588-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Face mask wearing is a low-cost preventative measure for the Covid-19 pandemic. In Italy, face masks are no longer mandatory indoors from the 1st of May 2022. Some research focused on factors that influence the choice of using masks, but less is known about mask-wearing when non-mandatory. The present study aims to compare those who were still wearing masks indoors when non-mandatory and those who were not, in personality traits, anxiety, depression, and trust in healthcare professions, in Italy, in 2022. Furthermore, we analyze if resilience, reactance, political orientation, and Covid-19 vaccinations moderate between negative affectivity and the choice of wearing masks. 1151 adults, aged 18-64, were recruited. Using the Qualtrics platform, participants filled in a socio-demographic interview, and self-report questionnaires. Results showed that people who were still wearing a mask indoors had higher levels of psychoticism and negative affectivity, worse mental health, greater trust in healthcare professions, and worries about the pandemic. Moreover, resilience partially moderates the relationship between negative affectivity and the choice of wearing a mask. These findings provide a better understanding of individuals' responses to post-pandemic changes, identifying the personal and contextual aspects that can make people struggle with the process of returning to normality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Rigo
- Department of Developmental and Socialization Psychology (DPSS), University of Padua, 35131, Padova, Italy
| | - Marina Miscioscia
- Department of Developmental and Socialization Psychology (DPSS), University of Padua, 35131, Padova, Italy
| | - Silvia Spaggiari
- Department of Developmental and Socialization Psychology (DPSS), University of Padua, 35131, Padova, Italy.
| | - Daniela Di Riso
- Department of Developmental and Socialization Psychology (DPSS), University of Padua, 35131, Padova, Italy
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Cooper H, Brar A, Beyaztas H, Jennings BJ, Bennetts RJ. The effects of face coverings, own-ethnicity biases, and attitudes on emotion recognition. Cogn Res Princ Implic 2022; 7:57. [PMID: 35780221 PMCID: PMC9250564 DOI: 10.1186/s41235-022-00400-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, face coverings were introduced as a safety measure in certain environments in England and some research suggests that they can affect emotion recognition. Factors such as own-ethnicity bias (e.g. whether people perceiving and expressing emotions are of the same ethnicity) and social biases are also known to influence emotion recognition. However, it is unclear whether these factors interact with face coverings to affect emotion recognition. Therefore, this study examined the effects of face coverings, own-ethnicity biases, and attitudes on emotion recognition accuracy. In this study, 131 participants viewed masked and unmasked emotional faces varying in ethnicity and completed a questionnaire on their attitudes towards face masks. We found that emotion recognition was associated with masks and attitudes: accuracy was lower in masked than unmasked conditions and attitudes towards masks Inside and Outside were associated with emotion recognition. However, a match between perceiver and stimulus ethnicity did not have a significant effect on emotion recognition. Ultimately, our results suggest that masks, and negative attitudes towards them, were associated with poorer emotion recognition. Future research should explore different mask-wearing behaviours and possible in-group/out-group biases and their interaction with other social cues (e.g. in-group biases).
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly Cooper
- Division of Psychology, College of Health, Medicine, and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Kingston Lane, Uxbridge, UB8 3PH, UK.
| | - Amrit Brar
- Division of Psychology, College of Health, Medicine, and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Kingston Lane, Uxbridge, UB8 3PH, UK
| | - Hazel Beyaztas
- Division of Psychology, College of Health, Medicine, and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Kingston Lane, Uxbridge, UB8 3PH, UK
| | - Ben J Jennings
- Division of Psychology, College of Health, Medicine, and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Kingston Lane, Uxbridge, UB8 3PH, UK
| | - Rachel J Bennetts
- Division of Psychology, College of Health, Medicine, and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Kingston Lane, Uxbridge, UB8 3PH, UK.
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Prioritizing Protection by Face Masks during COVID-19: The Application of Customer Open Innovation. JOURNAL OF OPEN INNOVATION: TECHNOLOGY, MARKET, AND COMPLEXITY 2022. [PMCID: PMC10035119 DOI: 10.3390/joitmc8010043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
This research investigated consumers’ purchase intention and preferences for face masks during the COVID-19 global pandemic. The Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) was used as the theoretical framework. Empirical data (with 215 valid responses) were collected nationwide from the United States via Qualtrics Panel services. Exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, structural equation modeling, and multi-group comparison (chi-square difference) were used to estimate construct validity and test the proposed hypotheses and theoretical framework. Results indicated that consumers’ purchase intention towards face masks was predicted by consumers’ attitude towards functional attributes, subjective norm, and perceived behavior control. But, in contrast with previous research, purchase intention was not predicted by attitudes towards aesthetic attributes and attitude towards social attributes. Purchase intention positively influenced consumers’ actual purchase behavior towards face masks. Workplace association moderated the path from social attitudes to purchase intention. Based on these results, theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
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The Impact of the Fear of COVID-19 on Purchase Behavior of Dietary Supplements: Integration of the Theory of Planned Behavior and the Protection Motivation Theory. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su132212900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed at assessing the impacts of the fear of COVID-19 on consumer buying behavior toward dietary supplements. This investigation was a cross-sectional study in which literate adults regardless of gender over the age of 20 were recruited from three pharmacies in three different districts of Wuhan City, China. A total of 598 questionnaires were analyzed after excluding 10 with incomplete information. The current study demonstrated that attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control had a positive impact on the intention of purchasing dietary supplements. Fear of COVID-19 was related to an enhanced purchase intention toward dietary supplements. Attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control were significant factors that mediated the association between the fear of COVID-19 and the purchase intention of dietary supplements. This study helps provide practical advice for stakeholders in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries to tailor appropriate strategies for improving product promotion or healthcare-related interventions.
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Krishna A, Rodrigues J, Mitschke V, Eder AB. Self-reported mask-related worrying reduces relative avoidance bias toward unmasked faces in individuals with low Covid19 anxiety syndrome. Cogn Res Princ Implic 2021; 6:75. [PMID: 34806154 PMCID: PMC8606225 DOI: 10.1186/s41235-021-00344-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Facial masks have become and may remain ubiquitous. Though important for preventing infection, they may also serve as a reminder of the risks of disease. Thus, they may either act as cues for threat, priming avoidance-related behavior, or as cues for a safe interaction, priming social approach. To distinguish between these possibilities, we assessed implicit and explicit evaluations of masked individuals as well as avoidance bias toward relatively unsafe interactions with unmasked individuals in an approach-avoidance task in an online study. We further assessed Covid19 anxiety and specific attitudes toward mask-wearing, including mask effectiveness and desirability, hindrance of communication from masks, aesthetic appeal of masks, and mask-related worrying. Across one sample of younger (18-35 years, N = 147) and one of older adults (60+ years, N = 150), we found neither an average approach nor avoidance bias toward mask-wearing compared to unmasked individuals in the indirect behavior measurement task. However, across the combined sample, self-reported mask-related worrying correlated with reduced avoidance tendencies toward unmasked individuals when Covid19 anxiety was low, but not when it was high. This relationship was specific to avoidance tendencies and was not observed in respect to explicit or implicit preference for mask-wearing individuals. We conclude that unsafe interaction styles may be reduced by targeting mask-related worrying with public interventions, in particular for populations that otherwise have low generalized Covid19 anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anand Krishna
- Lehrstuhl Für Psychologie II, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Röntgenring 10, 97070, Würzburg, Germany.
| | - Johannes Rodrigues
- Lehrstuhl Für Psychologie II, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Röntgenring 10, 97070, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Vanessa Mitschke
- Lehrstuhl Für Psychologie II, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Röntgenring 10, 97070, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Andreas B Eder
- Lehrstuhl Für Psychologie II, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Röntgenring 10, 97070, Würzburg, Germany
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Soomro BA, Shah N. COVID-19 complications and entrepreneurial intention among the entrepreneurs of Pakistan: evidence from the second wave of the pandemic. JOURNAL OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY POLICY MANAGEMENT 2021. [DOI: 10.1108/jstpm-12-2020-0175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Purpose
At present, nearly the whole globe is facing a severe threat of COVID-19. This study aims to examine the COVID-19 complications and entrepreneurial intention among the entrepreneurs of Pakistan.
Design/methodology/approach
The study used a deductive approach. An online survey is conducted to collect cross-sectional data from entrepreneurs of Pakistan. Convenience sampling is applied to target the respondents. In total, 278 usable answers proceed for final analysis. The structural equation model (SEM) is used to infer the results.
Findings
The findings of the study highlight a significant negative effect of fear of COVID-19 (FO19), perceived susceptibility (PSU) and perceived severity (PSE) on entrepreneurial intention (EI) among the entrepreneurs.
Practical implications
The study would provide the guidelines for policymakers and planners to combat the barriers of fear, PSU and PSE during a pandemic. The findings of the second wave of COVID-19 may provide a warning to the government to take preventive measures to face the severe effect of the pandemic. Finally, the outcomes of the study may enrich the depth of COVID-19 literature globally.
Originality/value
This study is the first study highlighting factors such as fear, PSU and PSE toward EI in COVID-19 second wave.
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Soomro BA, Lakhan GR, Shah N. COVID-19 impediments and business start-ups in Pakistan: Evidence from the second wave of the pandemic. MANAGERIAL AND DECISION ECONOMICS : MDE 2021; 42:1909-1918. [PMID: 34908631 PMCID: PMC8662172 DOI: 10.1002/mde.3445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The present paper examines COVID-19 impediments and business start-ups in Pakistan when the country entered the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study selected entrepreneurs in Pakistan to explore the effects of the second wave. The study findings highlight the significant negative impacts of fear of COVID-19 (FC), COVID-19 stress and anxiety (SA), and perceptions of the arrival of COVID-19's second wave (ASW) on business start-ups (BS). The findings may support policy makers in diminishing the fear, anxiety, and negative perceptions of the arrival of COVID-19 waves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahadur Ali Soomro
- Department of EconomicsFederal Urdu University of Arts, Science and Technology, Abdul Haq Campus, KarachiKarachiPakistan
| | - Ghulam Rasool Lakhan
- Department of EconomicsFederal Urdu University of Arts, Science and Technology, Abdul Haq CampusKarachiPakistan
| | - Naimatullah Shah
- Department of Public AdministrationUniversity of Sindh, Jamshoro, Pakistan
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Soomro BA, Lakhan GR, Shah N. Knowledge, attitudes and practices towards the spread of COVID-19: a health counseling initiative among potential entrepreneurs of FUUAST. HEALTH EDUCATION 2021. [DOI: 10.1108/he-06-2021-0086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
PurposeThe present study examines the knowledge, attitude and practice towards the reduction of COVID-19 spread among entrepreneurs of the Federal Urdu University of Arts, Sciences and Technology (FUUAST), Karachi Pakistan.Design/methodology/approachThe authors employed cross-sectional data to infer the results. The data are collected through an online survey questionnaire. To target the respondents; a convenience sampling technique is adopted. In total, 222 usable answers proceed with final results. The structural equation model (SEM) is applied for the data analysis.FindingsThe study outcomes found a significant and positive role of knowledge about COVID-19, attitudes towards a stay at home and practices against COVID-19 in reducing the spread of the pandemic.Practical implicationsThe study provides coherent knowledge about the factors that fight against the pandemic's further spread. The findings would provide the guidelines to policymakers to think about such factors and boost them enormously. Further, the results would contribute to the literature of COVID-19.Originality/valueThis study is original, which empirically confirmed the effect of knowledge about COVID-19, attitudes towards a stay at home and practices against COVID-19 in an academic institute.
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Mallinas SR, Maner JK, Ashby Plant E. What factors underlie attitudes regarding protective mask use during the COVID-19 pandemic? PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2021; 181:111038. [PMID: 34092834 PMCID: PMC8164375 DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2021.111038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 05/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 10/29/2022]
Abstract
Two studies examine psychological and demographic factors that predict attitudes toward mask-wearing during the COVID-19 pandemic. These studies differentiate pro-mask from anti-mask attitudes. Political conservatism, younger age, and gender predicted anti-mask attitudes but were unrelated to pro-mask attitudes. Psychological reactance was associated with anti-mask attitudes, over and above demographic variables. Empathy, trust in healthcare professionals, and perceived normativity of mask wearing were associated with pro-mask attitudes, over and above demographic variables. These studies suggest that demographic variables such as political orientation and age are associated with anti-mask but not pro-mask attitudes, but also that psychological factors differentially predict anti- and pro-mask attitudes over and above demographic factors.
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Soomro BA, Shah N. Examining the intention to stay home due to COVID-19: a pandemic's second wave outlook. HEALTH EDUCATION 2021. [DOI: 10.1108/he-12-2020-0118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
PurposeAt present, almost the whole globe is facing a severe threat of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The present study examines the intention to stay home due to COVID-19 during a second wave of the pandemic.Design/methodology/approachThe study employed a deductive approach based on cross-sectional data. An online survey is conducted from citizens of Pakistan. A convenience sampling is applied to target the respondents. In total, 238 useable responses proceed for final analysis. The structural equation model (SEM) is used to infer the results.FindingsThe findings of the study highlight a positive and significant effect of fear of COVID-19, attitudes to stay at home behaviour (AtSHB), knowledge about COVID-19 (Ka19) and health consciousness (HC) on the intention to stay at home (ItSAH).Practical implicationsThe study would provide the guidelines to policymakers and planners to develop the policies which may establish the individual's ItSAH. This strategy would restrict the spread of COVID-19. The government should also formulate the plannings to reduce the fear about COVID-19 and health concerns to combat the pandemic. The government should launch awareness programs regarding the spread and cure of COVID-19.Originality/valueThis study is the first study which highlights the factors such as fear, HC, attitudes and knowledge towards ItSAH. The study may be unique in the COVID-19 perspective, particularly in the Pakistani context.
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