Relationship Between COVID-19 Risk Perception and Face-To-Face and Non-Face-To-Face Social Isolation During COVID-19: Risk Perception and Social Isolation during COVID-19

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic reduced social contact, causing social isolation, which is dependent on risk perception—a motivation for social distancing. While studies have examined risk perception as a dual process, its application to real-world risk situations is unexplored. This study investigated the relationships between risk perception, social contact changes, and social isolation during COVID-19. A nationwide cross-sectional sample of 804 adults completed computer-assisted telephone interviews. The main variables were social isolation (face-to-face and non-face-to-face) and risk perception (affective and cognitive). Data were analyzed using analysis of variance, logistic regression models, and multinomial logistic regression models. Affective and cognitive risk perceptions were associated with changes in face-to-face and non-face-to-face social contact. Only affective risk perception was associated with social isolation. Thus, social isolation is a health-related concept, higher levels are associated with poorer mental and physical health. In addition, the isolation-reduction recommendations put forth have important well-being-improvement implications.