Risk perception in different COVID-19 stages: The predictive role of cultural orientation

To explore the changing trajectory of risk perception at various stages of the COVID-19 pandemic under different lockdown policies, this study conducted a four-wave survey over ten months (from March 2022 to January 2023) in a university located at an eastern Chinese city. We also examined the predictive effect of individual-level cultural orientations (i.e., individualism-collectivism) on the changing trend in risk perception. The results indicate an overall upward trend in risk perception, with minor fluctuations observed as control measures shifted from strict lockdowns to gradual easing and complete lifting. Individuals scoring higher on either individualism or collectivism exhibited more rapid changes in their risk perception. This study may contribute to understanding the enduring effects of COVID-19 on public risk awareness, providing empirical evidence on individuals’ cognitive responses to the risk of large-scale pandemics across different cultural orientations.