Optimism and emergency preparedness self-efficacy: Moderators of the relationship between perceived threat of disasters and COVID-19 anxiety symptoms

<b>Objectives:</b> Despite research showing the impact of the threat of COVID-19 on mental health, scholars have failed to examine the relationship between perceived disaster threat and COVID-19 anxiety. Factors that buffer that positive relationship (e.g., optimism and emergency preparedness self-efficacy or EPSE) are also understudied. Thus, we examined the relationship between the perceived threat of disasters and COVID-19-related anxiety, as well as potential moderating factors of this relationship, including optimism and EPSE. <b>Participants and methods:</b> Participants were a representative sample of U.S. college students (<i>N</i> = 392) recruited through Prolific.co who completed measures in an online Qualtrics survey. <b>Results:</b> Both optimism and EPSE were significant moderators of the relationship between perceived threat and symptoms of anxiety related to COVID-19. When both moderators were included in a double moderation model analysis, only EPSE remained a significant moderator. <b>Conclusions:</b> These findings reflect the importance of cultivating protective psychological resources to protect college students' well-being during disasters.