COVID-19 Stress and Its Impact on Self-Protective Behaviors in an Emerging Adult College Sample: The Importance of Trauma

ABSTRACT

Background

Developmentally, social relationships are critical in the lives of emerging adults; however, little research has been focused on the types of protective behaviors that individuals on college campuses engaged in during the pandemic.

Purpose

This study examines predictors of emerging adults’ self-protective behaviors with a focus on COVID stress.

Methods

Participants were 132 undergraduate participants who completed a series of online measures aimed at assessing COVID-19 stress and various self-protective behaviors.

Results

Using sanitizer, wearing masks, and notifying people of contact were the most prevalent self-protective behaviors. COVID-19 stress, particularly trauma, was the only significant predictor of self-protective behaviors. Results also showed that for women trauma predicted self-protective behavior and women in general reported more COVID-19 trauma.

Discussion

Although most participants reported engaging in some type of self-protective behaviors, the data suggest that psychological factors are important for predicting these behaviors.

Translation to Health Education Practice

This research offers insight into the need for college/university campuses to prioritize both physical health behaviors and also mental health consequences during the pandemic consistent with several NCHEC responsibilities.

A AJHE Self-Study quiz is online for this article via the SHAPE America Online Institute (SAOI) http://portal.shapeamerica.org/trn-Webinars

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Human subjects statement

This study utilized human participants data. The study was reviewed and approved by the IRB at the University of Michigan (HUM00195452).

Transparency statement

The raw data, analysis code, and materials used in this study are not openly available but may be available upon request to the corresponding author. No aspects of the study were pre-registered.