The role of relational worry due to COVID-19 in the links between video chat apprehension, loneliness, and adhering to CDC guidelines

In light of common recommendations to connect with others through video chatting during the COVID-19 pandemic, this study examined how video chat apprehension relates to two health concerns: loneliness and adherence to CDC guidelines. We also examined how relational worry due to COVID-19 mediates these paths. Data were collected via MTurk from 467 people in the United States. The results showed that video chat apprehension related to increased worry about maintaining personal relationships, which in turn related to increased loneliness and decreased adherence to CDC guidelines. This investigation makes a contribution to understanding the links between personal relationships and both mental well-being and health behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic.