Abstract
The present research investigated a backfiring effect of social interaction on well-being and general confidence in Western populations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Across two studies, we observed that stronger self-other connectedness and frequent social communication with others during the first few weeks into the quarantine period were associated with worsened well-being and decreased general confidence. In Study 1 (n = 331), we showed that people who reported higher social connectedness and more frequent social interaction experienced declined well-being. In Study 2 (n = 327), we replicated the backfiring effect and showed that those who engaged in frequent social interaction, especially in COVID-19 related conversations, reported decreased general confidence, which mediated the accelerating effect of social interaction on panic buying. Overall, our findings indicated that frequent social interaction under a highly novel and uncertain crisis can relate to negative consequences on mental health and behavior.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 668272 |
Journal | Frontiers in Psychology |
Volume | 12 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 29 Jul 2021 |
Austrian Fields of Science 2012
- 501021 Social psychology
Keywords
- COVID-19
- general confidence level
- panic buying
- social connectedness
- social interaction
- well-being