Optimistic but tired of hearing about COVID: Optimism as a predictor of COVID-19 information and behavioral fatigue among Filipino youth

Abstract

Because of prolonged exposure to unresolved adversities due to COVID-19, people in developing countries are at risk of developing pandemic fatigue. Cognizant of the role of optimism in the way individuals deal with health information and engage in health protective behaviors, this study sought to test the predictive relationship of optimism with COVID-19 information and behavioral fatigue. A total of 1,190 legal-aged, young Filipino students (18 to 30 years old) participated in this cross-sectional study conducted via online survey. Findings reveal that older, male, working optimists report higher scores for information fatigue, while younger, female optimists report lower scores for behavioral fatigue.