Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic and Nationwide Lockdown on Trust, Attitudes towards Government, and Wellbeing

Chris G Sibley, Fiona Kate Barlow

American Psychological Association

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This study describes the immediate effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and nationwide lockdown on levels of institutionaltrust and attitudes towards the nation and government, and health and wellbeingin New Zealand,with implications for other nations. Our results suggest that a strong national response to COVID-19 maybolsternational attachmentand increase trust in the bodies determining and enforcing lockdown guidelines. Against a backdrop of general resilience, small increases in psychological distress serve as a warning about potential psychological consequences of lockdown and isolation.

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