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Risk Perceptions and Protective Behaviors at the Onset and Outset of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Author

Listed:
  • Costa-Font, Joan

    (London School of Economics)

  • Roig-Roselloa, Melcior

    (NHS)

  • Rudisill, Caroline

    (University of South Carolina)

  • Salmasi, Luca

    (Universitta Cattolica del Cacro Cuore)

Abstract

We study the formation of risk perceptions— subjective probability beliefs— of three adverse events—COVID-19 contagion, influenza contagion, and food poisoning—at the onset and outset of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, using survey data. We show that perceived risk levels for COVID-19 are similar to those for influenza but are not significantly influenced by proximity to infection and are shaped instead by an individual’s gender, education, and employment status. Using an instrumental variable strategy, we assess whether these perceptions influence a number of protective behaviors. Although risk perceptions are associated with various protective behaviors, we only find a causal impact in increasing the likelihood of phone or online medical consultations by only about a percentage point.

Suggested Citation

  • Costa-Font, Joan & Roig-Roselloa, Melcior & Rudisill, Caroline & Salmasi, Luca, 2026. "Risk Perceptions and Protective Behaviors at the Onset and Outset of the COVID-19 Pandemic," IZA Discussion Papers 18704, IZA Network @ LISER.
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp18704
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Björn Sund & Mikael Svensson & Henrik Andersson, 2017. "Demographic determinants of incident experience and risk perception: do high-risk groups accurately perceive themselves as high-risk?," Journal of Risk Research, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 20(1), pages 99-117, January.
    2. Viscusi, W Kip, 1991. "Age Variations in Risk Perceptions and Smoking Decisions," The Review of Economics and Statistics, MIT Press, vol. 73(4), pages 577-588, November.
    3. Jeffrey M Wooldridge, 2010. "Econometric Analysis of Cross Section and Panel Data," MIT Press Books, The MIT Press, edition 2, volume 1, number 0262232588, December.
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    JEL classification:

    • I13 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Insurance, Public and Private
    • D81 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Criteria for Decision-Making under Risk and Uncertainty

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