This hypothesis has been supported by studies that show both observational and experimental effects of perceived uncontrollable (extrinsic) mortality risk on health behaviour (Pepper and Nettle 2014a, b, c, 2017).
Therefore, resources (time, energy, and money) invested in future health, which could be directed elsewhere, are more likely to go to waste, which disincentivises healthful behaviour. Those who are exposed to uncontrollable risks remain relatively less likely to live to enjoy the rewards of healthy living, despite their health efforts. The Uncontrollable Mortality Risk Hypothesis predicts that people who believe they are more likely to die due to factors beyond their control should be less motivated to engage in healthy behaviours. 2020).Ī perceived lack of control over risk can have consequences for behaviour. Studying perceptions of risk during the pandemic can develop our understanding of the psychological response to the threat of COVID-19 and help to provide effective public health strategies for the future (Dryhurst et al. At the time of writing (February 2021), the World Health Organisation ( 2021) reports that over 102.1 million cases of COVID-19 have been registered, resulting in over 2.2 million COVID-19 related deaths. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a devastating impact on countless lives across the globe.
Further, messages evoking feelings of concern for others may be effective in promoting compliance with anti-infection measures, without the potential for the unwelcome side-effect of discouraging healthy behaviour. We suggest that messages that highlight threat to life should be accompanied by statements of efficacy. Our findings suggest that health messages that highlight threat to life may be effective in increasing adherence to infection control, but may also lead to a reduction in health-promoting behaviours. Perceived extrinsic mortality risk was found to have increased due to the pandemic, and was associated with lower reported adherence to Government advice on diet, physical activity, and smoking. Perceived threat to life was the most consistent predictor of reported adherence to infection control measures. We predicted that increased perceived extrinsic mortality risk (the portion of mortality risk perceived to be uncontrollable) would disincentivise healthy behaviour. We assessed perceptions of COVID-19-related risk, self-reported adherence to infection control measures recommended by the UK Government, and general health behaviours. We surveyed a nationally representative sample of 496 participants during the first UK lockdown. This article aims to understand the extent to which COVID-19 is perceived as an uncontrollable risk, and to assess whether this perceived risk is associated with health behaviour.
Prior evidence suggests that, when people perceive uncontrollable risks to their health, they are less likely to engage in healthful behaviour. Understanding COVID-19 risk perceptions and their impact on behaviour can improve the effectiveness of public health strategies.
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