Health professions student helping behaviors and attitudes toward a person experiencing anxiety within the context of COVID-19

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Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with increased mental illness rates, although the degree to which is associated with mental health stigmatizing attitudes and helping intentions is unknown. Aims: This vignette-based study examined differences in health professions students' attitudes and intentions to help an individual described as experiencing anxiety with or without exacerbation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: College students majoring in health and human service professions (n = 419) completed an online survey, including questions about a vignette describing a person experiencing anxiety. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two vignette conditions, with one condition mentioning COVID-19 exacerbated the person's anxiety. Results: When the vignette was framed as anxiety symptoms due to COVID-19, participants were less likely to endorse helping behaviors and were less likely to be willing to spend time with the target. Conclusions: Despite the study limitations, results reveal avenues for future research that may aid in training future health professionals and preventing stigma.

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