Americans’ Risk Perceptions and Emotional Responses to COVID-19

A scientific national survey of 3,933 adults conducted in April 2020 reveals that approximately 70% of Americans experienced daily life disruptions due to COVID-19. While majorities feel compassion (64%) and hope (54%), there is widespread worry regarding the healthcare system (85%) and the economy (84%). Risk perceptions are highest for vulnerable populations, such as adults aged 65+ and those with chronic health conditions, while fewer individuals perceive the virus as a great deal of personal harm.

• Approximately 70% of Americans reported that the spread of the coronavirus disrupted their daily life, with 38% stating it disrupted their life "a lot" and 34% saying "some".
• Significant portions of the population experienced specific hardships: 18% filed for unemployment, 17% lost a job, 17% were unable to get adequate medical care, and 30% were unable to get groceries.
• The highest levels of concern are focused on systemic failures, with 85% of Americans worried about the healthcare system being overwhelmed and 84% worried about a global economic depression.
• A majority of Americans (54%) reported that worry about the coronavirus has harmed their mental health, though this effect was less pronounced among older adults (60+) and conservative Republicans.
• Positive emotions are prevalent, with 64% of respondents feeling compassionate and 54% feeling hopeful, although 46% also feel anxious.
• Risk perception is skewed toward vulnerable groups; 77% believe the virus will do a "great deal" of harm to adults 65+ and those with chronic health conditions, compared to only 25% who believe it will do a "great deal" of harm to themselves personally.
• As of April 7, 2020, the most common estimates for the end of the U.S. epidemic were 2-3 months (35%) or 4-6 months (29%).
• Hispanics/Latinos and liberal/moderate Republicans are more likely than other groups to report experiencing economic consequences such as job or income loss.

APA

Yale Program on Climate Change Communication (2020). Americans’ Risk Perceptions and Emotional Responses to COVID-19. https://climatecommunication.yale.edu/app/uploads/2020/04/americans-risk-perceptions-and-emotional-responses-to-covid-19-april-2020.pdf

Chicago

Yale Program on Climate Change Communication. Americans’ Risk Perceptions and Emotional Responses to COVID-19. 2020. https://climatecommunication.yale.edu/app/uploads/2020/04/americans-risk-perceptions-and-emotional-responses-to-covid-19-april-2020.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Yale Program on Climate Change Communication |title=Americans’ Risk Perceptions and Emotional Responses to COVID-19 |date=April 2020 |url=https://climatecommunication.yale.edu/app/uploads/2020/04/americans-risk-perceptions-and-emotional-responses-to-covid-19-april-2020.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{yaleprogramonclimatechangecommunication2020americans, author = {{Yale Program on Climate Change Communication}}, title = {{Americans’ Risk Perceptions and Emotional Responses to COVID-19}}, institution = {Yale Program on Climate Change Communication}, year = {2020}, month = apr, url = {https://climatecommunication.yale.edu/app/uploads/2020/04/americans-risk-perceptions-and-emotional-responses-to-covid-19-april-2020.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }