Trait xenophobia is more strongly related to maladaptive beliefs and pandemic health behaviors than affective symptoms

Xenophobia is more strongly associated with other maladaptive beliefs than with common psychiatric symptoms. Maladaptive beliefs, compared with common psychiatric symptoms, is also more closely associated with a disinclination to engage in adaptive pandemic-related health behaviors. These findings may have implications for mitigating the personal and public health effects of a global pandemic.