Žan Lep|Katarina Babnik|Kaja Hacin Beyazoglu
Emotional Responses and Self-Protective Behavior Within Days of the COVID-19 Outbreak: The Promoting Role of Information Credibility
University of Ljubljana|University of Ljubljana|University of Ljubljana
due changes information environment since last global epidemic high officials spoken need fight current covid19 pandemic also related infodemic thus explored people search information perceive credibility relates engagement selfprotective behaviors crucial period right onset covid19 epidemic online questionnaire circulated within 48 hours first case covid19 confirmed slovenia gathered information participants demographics perception situation emotional behavioral responses situation ie selfprotective behavior perceived subjective knowledge perceived credibility different sources information level trust looked relationships perceived credibility trust selfprotective behavior 1718 participants found mass media social media officials received relatively low levels trust conversely medical professionals scientists deemed credible perceived credibility received information linked lower levels negative emotional responses also higher adherence much needed selfprotective measures aim contain spread disease results might vary societies different levels trust relevant governmental professional institutions variances selfprotective behavior scores explained model modest even small increase selfprotective behavior could go long way viral epidemics like one facing today