Abstract
Pandemic illnesses, such as the H1N1 influenza (swine flu) are often highly publicized in the mass media and can be associated
with high levels of anxiety and compensatory behavior (e.g., using hand sanitizers). The present research sought to investigate
the psychological processes associated with swine-flu related anxiety during the H1N1 influenza pandemic of 2009–2010. Participants
were 315 college students who completed survey measures between September 25th 2009 and February 16th 2010, which encompassed
the peak of flu season and a time of intense media attention to this particular outbreak. Data revealed that anxiety in response
to the swine flu was common in the sample. Regression analysis indicated that health anxiety, contamination fears and disgust
sensitivity were significant predictors of swine flu-related anxiety. Implications for how concerns over pandemic illnesses
such as the swine flu can be conceptualized and clinically managed are discussed.
with high levels of anxiety and compensatory behavior (e.g., using hand sanitizers). The present research sought to investigate
the psychological processes associated with swine-flu related anxiety during the H1N1 influenza pandemic of 2009–2010. Participants
were 315 college students who completed survey measures between September 25th 2009 and February 16th 2010, which encompassed
the peak of flu season and a time of intense media attention to this particular outbreak. Data revealed that anxiety in response
to the swine flu was common in the sample. Regression analysis indicated that health anxiety, contamination fears and disgust
sensitivity were significant predictors of swine flu-related anxiety. Implications for how concerns over pandemic illnesses
such as the swine flu can be conceptualized and clinically managed are discussed.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-9
- DOI 10.1007/s10608-011-9353-3
- Authors
- Michael G. Wheaton, Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Campus Box 3270 (Davie Hall), Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Jonathan S. Abramowitz, Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Campus Box 3270 (Davie Hall), Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Noah C. Berman, Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Campus Box 3270 (Davie Hall), Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Laura E. Fabricant, Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Campus Box 3270 (Davie Hall), Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Bunmi O. Olatunji, Department of Psychology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN USA
- Journal Cognitive Therapy and Research
- Online ISSN 1573-2819
- Print ISSN 0147-5916