How National Culture Influences the Speed of COVID-19 Spread: Three Cross-Cultural Studies

Huang, Xiaoyu; Gupta, Vipin; Feng, Cailing; Yang, Fu; Zhang, Lihua; Zheng, Jiaming; Wart, Montgomery Van

doi:10.1177/10693971221141478

Cited by 3 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 50 publications

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“…As the pandemic unfolded to disproportionate possible consequences and threats to mortality, many individuals were confused and were at a lost as to how it would affect their lives in the near future and beyond (Paredes et al, 2021). Intolerance of the uncertainty, the fundamental fear of the unknown, is a key component for anxiety disorders (Gu et al, 2020), more so in a “tight” country that has low tolerance for uncertainty and relatively high indulgence to pursue leisurely activities (Huang et al, 2022). It is conceivable that anxiety may be prominent within the population during the early phase as well.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effects of perceived social isolation, fear of social isolation, and gratitude during COVID-19 pandemic on anxiety in Malaysia

Tan,

Ng,

Lin

et al. 2023

Journal of Pacific Rim Psychology

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Many governments including Malaysia imposed movement restrictions as a public health measure to minimize COVID-19 (coronavirus) risks. Due to prolonged isolation, poorer physical and mental health are expected in the general population. Our aims were to examine (1) the mediating role of perceived social isolation (SI) and fear of social isolation (FSI) on the relationship between gratitude and anxiety, and (2) to explore the moderating role of age, education, and socioeconomic status (SES) on the mediation model. A total of 427 participants currently living in Malaysia ( Mage = 37.90, SD = 16.51, 313 females) completed a survey on isolation, gratitude, and anxiety during a period of national lockdown. Results showed that that those with higher gratitude reported having less SI and FSI and less anxiety (Model 1). In Model 2 with age as moderator, young adults (YA) and middle-aged adults (MA) who had higher gratitude experienced lower SI and in turn had lowered anxiety, but such a mediating role of SI was not observed among older adults (OA). As for FSI, MA who had higher gratitude had lower FSI and also lower anxiety but this relationship was not observed in YA or OA. We also examined the role of education and SES as moderators in the parallel mediation analysis. Results showed that the indirect association of gratitude with anxiety via FI and FSI was moderated by both education and SES. Specifically, among those with low education levels (regardless of SES), those with higher gratitude had lower SI and FSI, which in turn reduced anxiety. This relationship is similar for those with medium levels of education and from low and middle levels of SES as well. Our findings highlight the importance of having some coping mechanism, for example, gratitude and social connection, during the pandemic to have higher well-being and quality of life, especially for MA sample and people from low education and SES backgrounds.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effects of perceived social isolation, fear of social isolation, and gratitude during COVID-19 pandemic on anxiety in Malaysia

Tan,

Ng,

Lin

et al. 2023

Journal of Pacific Rim Psychology

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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Different patterns of national innovation under COVID-19: The moderating role of culture

Liu,

Zheng,

Peng

et al. 2024

International Journal of Intercultural Relations

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Looking beyond vaccines: Cultural tightness–looseness moderates the relationship between immunization coverage and disease prevention vigilance

Ma,

Chen,

Wang

2023

Applied Psych Health & Well

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Advancements in vaccination technologies mitigate disease transmission risks but may inadvertently suppress the behavioral immune system, an evolved disease avoidance mechanism. Applying behavioral immune system theory and utilizing robust big data analytics, we examined associations between rising vaccination coverage and government policies, public mobility, and online information seeking regarding disease precautions. We tested whether cultural tightness–looseness moderates the relationship between mass immunization and disease prevention vigilance. Comprehensive time series analyses were conducted using American data (Study 1) and international data (Study 2), employing transfer function modeling, cross‐correlation function analysis, and meta‐regression analysis. Across both the US and global analyses, as vaccination rates rose over time, government COVID‐19 restrictions significantly relaxed, community mobility increased, and online searches for prevention information declined. The relationship between higher vaccination rates and lower disease prevention vigilance was stronger in culturally looser contexts. Results provide initial evidence that mass immunization may be associated with attenuated sensitivity and enhanced flexibility of disease avoidance psychology and actions. However, cultural tightness–looseness significantly moderates this relationship, with tighter cultures displaying sustained vigilance amidst immunization upticks. These findings offer valuable perspectives to inform nuanced policymaking and public health strategies that balance prudent precautions against undue alarm when expanding vaccine coverage worldwide.

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How National Culture Influences the Speed of COVID-19 Spread: Three Cross-Cultural Studies

Cited by 3 publications

References 50 publications

Effects of perceived social isolation, fear of social isolation, and gratitude during COVID-19 pandemic on anxiety in Malaysia

Effects of perceived social isolation, fear of social isolation, and gratitude during COVID-19 pandemic on anxiety in Malaysia

Different patterns of national innovation under COVID-19: The moderating role of culture

Looking beyond vaccines: Cultural tightness–looseness moderates the relationship between immunization coverage and disease prevention vigilance

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