The Influence of Communication on College Students’ Self–Other Risk Perceptions of COVID-19: A Comparative Study of China and the United States

Abstract

This study aimed to explore cross-country differences in the characteristics and determinations of self–other risk perceptions of the COVID-19 pandemic. We distinguished perceived risk to self from perceived risk to others and subdivided risk perceptions into three levels: personal, group, and societal. We focused on the differential impact of multiple communication channels (i.e., interpersonal communication, traditional media exposure, and new media exposure) on risk perceptions at the three levels. A sample of 790 college students completed self-report online questionnaires from May to June 2020, including 498 in China and 292 in the United States. The results showed an “ascending pattern,” revealing that participants perceived higher levels of risk to others than to themselves. In addition, U.S. college students perceived higher risks of COVID-19 than Chinese college students at all levels. As for the relations between communication and risk perceptions, the results revealed that interpersonal communication and traditional media exposure were more effective with Chinese participants, whereas new media exposure was more effective with U.S. participants. Specifically, interpersonal communication was positively associated with risk perceptions at three levels, and the magnitude of the effect was higher in the Chinese group than in the U.S. group. Traditional media exposure increased societal risk perception only for Chinese college students, and new media exposure increased societal risk perception only for U.S. college students. Our findings provide theoretical implications for the characteristics and forming mechanisms of risk perceptions and also provide practical implications for policymakers in the two countries to implement effective measures to foster individuals’ risk perceptions in relation to preventive behaviors.

Perceptions, precautions, and vaccine acceptance related to monkeypox in the public in China: A cross-sectional survey

“…In China, there is limited research on how people perceive risk from previous infectious disease outbreaks [13] . Most of these studies focus on specific populations, such as older adults [14] , medical staff [15] , college students [16] , or assess perceptions and attitudes in specific periods, such as quarantine [17] . By understanding public perceptions, concerns, and attitudes, it will be possible to develop tailored interventions to encourage preventive measures.…”

The Effect of Collectivism on Mental Health during COVID-19: A Moderated Mediation Model

“…Moreover, collectivism deepens social ties among people and strong social ties motivate people to actively pay attention to external information and share their real-time situations, which increases individual and collective perceived risk [ 9 ]. Yang et al [ 9 ] also indicated that the Chinese who were exposed to interpersonal communication and media would learn more about COVID-19 and increased the perceived risk. Then, perceived risk can decrease mental health [ 48 ].…”

“…It suggested that individualism rather than collectivism was a protective factor for depression in Russia, and collectivism promotes maladaptive emotional responses in emotionally unstable individuals in the face of environmental stress, ultimately leading to the emergence of depressive symptoms. Due to an excessive focus on relationships with others, people in collectivist cultures maintain close social relationships and are more focused on sharing and exchanging information with those around them, which leads to an increase in individual and collective perceived risk [ 9 ]. Hence, the impact of collectivism on mental health has not been conclusively established.…”

The Effects of Information-Seeking Behaviors on Risk Perception During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Correlational Survey

“…In traditional media channels, individuals play the role of passive information receiver, but in new media channels, individuals can be both information receivers and information providers. 34 Considering these differences between traditional media and new media, we investigate the impact of traditional media and new media on people's risk perceptions separately.…”