Health professions student helping behaviors and attitudes toward a person experiencing anxiety within the context of COVID-19. Issue 2 (3rd April 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Noltemeyer, Amity; Ward, Rose Marie; Fischbein, Rebecca; Bonfine, Natalie; Ritter, Christian; Zierden, Caitie; Seok, Jonathan
• Is Part Of: International journal of mental health. Volume 51:Issue 2(2022)
• Page Start: 189
• Page End: 199
• Publication Date: 2022-04-03
• Subjects: COVID-19 -- mental health -- stigma -- helping behaviors -- anxiety; Mental health -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Mental health; Psychiatry; Periodicals; 616.89005
• DOI: 10.1080/00207411.2022.2038984
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0020-7411

Abstract

Abstract: Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with increased mental illness rates, although the degree to which is associated with mental health stigmatizing attitudes and helping intentions is unknown. Aims: This vignette-based study examined differences in health professions students' attitudes and intentions to help an individual described as experiencing anxiety with or without exacerbation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: College students majoring in health and human service professions ( n = 419) completed an online survey, including questions about a vignette describing a person experiencing anxiety. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two vignette conditions, with one condition mentioning COVID-19 exacerbated the person's anxiety. Results: When the vignette was framed as anxiety symptoms due to COVID-19, participants were less likely to endorse helping behaviors and were less likely to be willing to spend time with the target. Conclusions: Despite the study limitations, results reveal avenues for future research that may aid in training future health professionals and preventing stigma.