The study "Need for cognitive closure and trust towards government predicting pandemic behavior and mental health: comparing United States and China" by Wang et al. (2022) offers valuable insights that online therapy practitioners can implement to improve their services. This research, comparing the United States and China, sheds light on how cognitive closure and trust in government influence pandemic compliance and mental health outcomes. Here, we discuss key findings and practical implications for enhancing online therapy practices.
Understanding Need for Cognitive Closure (NFC)
Need for cognitive closure (NFC) refers to an individual's desire for a definite answer to a question and an aversion to ambiguity. During the COVID-19 pandemic, high NFC was associated with better mental health outcomes in China but not in the United States. Practitioners can use this understanding to tailor their approaches based on cultural contexts.
Trust in Government and Mental Health
The study found that trust in government predicted better mental health outcomes (fewer depressive symptoms and more life satisfaction) in both countries. However, Chinese participants showed higher trust in government and more positive attitudes towards preventive measures than U.S. participants. For online therapy practitioners, this underscores the importance of considering clients' trust in societal structures when addressing mental health issues.
Practical Implications for Online Therapy
- Cultural Sensitivity: Recognize the cultural differences in trust and attitudes towards government. Tailor therapy approaches to align with clients' cultural contexts.
- Building Trust: Encourage clients to seek credible information and foster trust in reliable sources to mitigate anxiety and depressive symptoms.
- Promoting Positive Attitudes: Help clients develop positive attitudes towards preventive measures by emphasizing their benefits for personal and community well-being.
- Addressing Ambiguity: For clients with high NFC, provide clear and structured information to reduce uncertainty and enhance compliance with health guidelines.
Encouraging Further Research
Practitioners are encouraged to stay informed about ongoing research in this area to continuously improve their practices. Understanding the dynamic interplay between cognitive closure, trust, and mental health can lead to more effective therapy interventions.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Need for cognitive closure and trust towards government predicting pandemic behavior and mental health: comparing United States and China.
