Cheng Kailin, Liao Jiangqun
Department of Psychology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084 China.
J Happiness Stud. 2023;24(1):351-371. doi: 10.1007/s10902-022-00583-6. Epub 2022 Nov 10.
Given that the coronavirus pandemic has become a severe concern worldwide, how can optimism be maintained during an outbreak of a collective pandemic? We propose that perceived control and negative affect could be potential explanatory factors for optimism in the face of a pandemic. In Study 1 ( = 599), through a large-scale cross-sectional design, we showed the indirect effect of risk perception on optimism through perceived control and negative affect with structural equation modeling. In Study 2 ( = 191), we manipulated perceived risk of the pandemic and determined that experiencing a high-risk pandemic psychologically led to decreased optimism. Finally, through Study 3 ( = 186) and Study 4 ( = 217), we revealed that the effect of risk perception on optimism can be extended to overall subjective well-being and confirmed the indirect effects via perceived control and negative affect. These findings indicate that risk perception can make a difference in one's life optimism during a high-risk pandemic. Moreover, perceived control and negative affect are notable intermediary variables. Measures that strengthen publicity and transparency regarding recovery rates should be taken to help reduce public perceptions of risk and promote an optimistic life attitude.
鉴于冠状病毒大流行已成为全球严重关切的问题，在集体大流行爆发期间如何保持乐观呢？我们认为，感知到的控制感和负面影响可能是面对大流行时乐观情绪的潜在解释因素。在研究1（n = 599）中，通过大规模横断面设计，我们用结构方程模型展示了风险感知通过感知到的控制感和负面影响对乐观情绪产生的间接影响。在研究2（n = 191）中，我们操纵了对大流行的感知风险，并确定从心理上来说，经历高风险大流行会导致乐观情绪下降。最后，通过研究3（n = 186）和研究4（n = 217），我们揭示了风险感知对乐观情绪的影响可以扩展到总体主观幸福感，并证实了通过感知到的控制感和负面影响产生的间接影响。这些发现表明，在高风险大流行期间，风险感知会影响一个人的生活乐观度。此外，感知到的控制感和负面影响是显著的中介变量。应采取措施加强关于康复率的宣传和透明度，以帮助降低公众的风险认知，并促进乐观的生活态度。
