Self-reported Invincibility, Fear of COVID-19, and Attitudes toward COVID-19 Restrictions in First-semester College Students

The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced a number of changes on college campuses across the country, including social distancing guidelines, restrictions on class size, and mask requirements. The present study examined the relationship between self-reported invincibility, fear of COVID-19, and attitudes toward COVID restrictions in first-semester college students. COVID-specific invincibility was predictive of less COVID fear, as well as more negative attitudes toward COVID restrictions. Our data suggest that students who perceive themselves as more invincible regarding the COVID-19 pandemic may engage in behaviors that put themselves, as well as others, at risk for infection with COVID-19.