Personality Traits and Mental States in a Pandemic: Empathy as a Measure of Prosocial Behavior Regarding COVID-19 Protocol

We measured empathy and anxiety levels in relation to prosocial behaviors involving COVID-19, such as masking and distancing. We expected that participants with higher empathy and stress/anxiety levels will be more likely adhere to COVID-19 protocols of masking and distancing. In addition, participants who have had COVID-19 and/or who have loved ones who have had it will report higher prosocial behaviors and increased levels of memory loss and stress/anxiety levels.