Social axioms and psychological toll: A study of emotional, behavioral, and cognitive responses across 35 cultures during the COVID‐19 pandemic

• DOI: 10.1111/aphw.12545
• Publication Date: 2024-05-09T11:24:36Z
• Authors: Frank Tian‐fang Ye; Bryant P. H. Hui; Jacky C. K. Ng; Ben C. P. Lam; Algae K. Y. Au; Wesley C. H. Wu; Hilary K. Y. Ng; Sylvia Xiaohua Chen
• Keywords: Worry; Pandemic; Disgust

Abstract The COVID‐19 pandemic has significantly affected the psychological well‐being of individuals worldwide. Previous research indicated that values and beliefs, particularly social axioms, are associated with responses during crises. However, most studies have focused on specific regions; impact axioms a global scale remains unclear. We conducted multinational study comprising stratified samples 18,171 participants from 35 cultures. Using multilevel modeling, we examined associations between personal worry, normative concerns, trust, individuals' to pandemic. results showed greater worry concerns predicted more negative responses. Furthermore, also identified significant buffering effects at societal level, as cultures higher overall levels fate control, religiosity, or reward for application exhibited weaker Our findings reveal influence pandemic, varying across underscore importance considering cultural differences individual variability when examining outcomes.