Your browser doesn't support javascript.
Is Ignorance Bliss? Examining the Effect of News Media Exposure on Anxiety and Depression During the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Hoyt, Danielle L; Hiserodt, Michele; Gold, Alexandra K; Milligan, Megan A; Otto, Michael W.
  • Hoyt DL; Department of Psychology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey.
  • Hiserodt M; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts.
  • Gold AK; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts.
  • Milligan MA; Department of Agriculture, Nutrition, and Food Systems, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire.
  • Otto MW; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts.
J Nerv Ment Dis ; 210(2): 91-97, 2022 02 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1410067
ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT There has been a widespread increase in affective disorders after the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the current study, we investigated the effects of exposure to and perceived accuracy of news media and demographic characteristics on anxiety and depressive symptoms. We conducted an online survey of US adults (N = 480) using hierarchical linear regression models to understand the predictive roles of duration and frequency of news media exposure, as well as the perceived accuracy of COVID-19 portrayal by the news media, on anxiety and depression. Increased exposure duration predicted greater anxiety, and decreased frequency of exposure and perceived overreaction in the news media coverage of COVID-19 were linked to greater anxiety and depression. Perceived accuracy moderated the relationship of exposure frequency to both affective outcomes. Accordingly, our data support the importance of adequate levels of accurate and trusted information to help mitigate the overall mental health burden of the pandemic.
Subject(s)

Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Anxiety / Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice / Mental Health / Depression / COVID-19 / Mass Media Type of study: Experimental Studies / Observational study / Prognostic study Limits: Adolescent / Adult / Aged / Female / Humans / Male / Middle aged / Young adult Country/Region as subject: North America Language: English Journal: J Nerv Ment Dis Year: 2022 Document Type: Article

Similar

MEDLINE

...
LILACS

LIS


Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Anxiety / Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice / Mental Health / Depression / COVID-19 / Mass Media Type of study: Experimental Studies / Observational study / Prognostic study Limits: Adolescent / Adult / Aged / Female / Humans / Male / Middle aged / Young adult Country/Region as subject: North America Language: English Journal: J Nerv Ment Dis Year: 2022 Document Type: Article