Optimism bias and perceived susceptibility to COVID-19 among Australian travellers

This research examines how perceived vulnerability to disease (PVD) affects travellers' optimism bias towards COVID-19. Results from a large Australian panel show that individuals high on PVD - particularly on the 'perceived infectability' but not on the 'germ aversion' subdimension - are less likely to fall prey to the optimism bias. Results highlight the importance of disentangling the subdimensions of PVD in theory testing and could have implications for informing governments and tourism organizations of new avenues to educate travellers, which may help promote the adoption of preventive behaviours.

Automated summary

The research reveals that travellers with higher levels of PVD are less likely to exhibit an optimism bias towards COVID-19, particularly in terms of 'perceived infectability'. Understanding the subdimensions of PVD is crucial for theory testing and could inform governments and tourism organizations in educating travellers effectively to promote preventive behaviors.