Considering Social Identity Threat Alongside the Health Belief Model to Examine Mask-Wearing Intentions of Black, Latinx, and Asian Individuals in the U.S. During COVID-19.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. public health officials have recommended various safety protocols to "stop the spread", and atop the list is wearing a mask. Individuals from particular racial groups have also contended with a surge of racial profiling and race-based discrimination that has positioned mask-wearing as a risky yet health-promoting behavior. Using the health belief model (HBM), this study considers how racism and health intersect by examining the emotions, behavioral intentions, and health outcomes of mask-wearing among Black, Latinx, and Asian individuals. Cross-sectional survey data from 521 participants from across the United States were collected and analyzed using quantitative analyses. Results did not indicate significant differences in mask-wearing intentions between racial groups as predicted by the health belief model constructs; however, group differences in experiences of racism did shape perceptions of and behaviors related to mask-wearing. Mask-wearing was also related to more positive emotional experiences, and social cues to action predicted intentions to wear a mask. Implications for encouraging health-promoting behaviors across diverse populations during public health crises are discussed.

Relationship quality and objectively measured physical activity before and after implementation of COVID-19 stay-home orders.

In a sample of 28 individuals cohabiting with a partner in NYC, Boston, or Chicago, this study tested whether implementation of stay-home orders to combat the spread of COVID-19 disrupted physical activity and whether high-quality romantic relationships buffered adverse effects. Participants provided FitBit data between February and October, 2020. Stay-home orders were associated with a reduction in daily step counts, B = -1595.72, p = 0.018, increased sedentary minutes, B = 33.75, p = 0.002, and reduced daily minutes of light and moderate physical activity, B = -25.01, p = 0.011; B = -0.72, p = 0.021. No moderation effects emerged.