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

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.