Mental health risks of pandemic-related media communication: The mediating roles of distinct types of perceived threat.

Abstract

Research has shown that constant exposure to health crisis-related information can negatively affect individuals' mental health. Using data from a two-wave panel survey of German citizens (n = 1162) conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, this study aims to examine whether and how the relationship between people's media exposure and mental health is mediated through distinct types of perceived threat. The results show that perceived threat posed by the virus (perceived health threat) and perceived threat regarding the consequences of governmental antipandemic measures (such as lockdowns) for personal freedom (perceived political threat) mediated media effects on depressive symptoms. However, the effects differed significantly depending on the type of information source. While more frequent exposure to high-quality traditional news media (public broadcasters, national newspapers and magazines, and local and regional newspapers) positively affected depressive symptoms mediated by perceived health threat, the use of low-quality traditional news media (private broadcasters and tabloids) and social media platforms did this mediated by perceived political threat. By providing a nuanced account of the relationship between media exposure, perceived threat, and mental health during times of a major health crisis, this study offers practical insights into how harmful effects of health crisis risk communication could be mitigated.