The mediating role of infodemic in the relationship between family of origin functions and COVID-19 perceptions among young adults

Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic has left deep marks both individually and socially on a global scale, necessitating physical distancing and social isolation. The requirement to carry out activities such as education and work from home has limited the personal space of family members, affecting intra-family relationships. During this period, family functions have influenced individuals' perceptions of COVID-19. Additionally, the infodemic, characterized by an overabundance of information, including both true and false, has undermined trust in scientists and authorities, causing fear and panic. This exacerbates the negative impacts of the pandemic. This study aims to examine the effect of origin family functions on emotions, thoughts, behaviors, and measures taken regarding COVID-19 and the mediating role of the infodemic in this relationship. The literature lacks research on these variables, and it is believed that the findings of this study will contribute to the field. Method: The study group consists of young adults aged 18-30 years, continuing their university education in Eskişehir. The Family Assessment Device (FAD) was used to measure participants' origin family functions, the Multidimensional COVID-19 Scale was used to measure perceptions and attitudes towards COVID-19, and the COVID-19 Infodemic Scale was used to measure information related to the infodemic. Data were collected through Google Forms. The relationships between the scores obtained from these scales were analyzed using Pearson's correlation analysis. The role of the infodemic in the effect of family functions on perceptions of COVID-19 was evaluated through mediation analysis. The first step examined the effect of the independent variable on the dependent variable, the second step examined the effect of the independent variable on the mediator and the effect of the mediator on the dependent variable. The final step evaluated how the mediator variable altered the effect of the independent variable on the dependent variable. In this study, family functions were considered as the independent variable, COVID-19 perceptions as the dependent variable, and the infodemic as the mediator. The effect of family functions on the infodemic and the effect of the infodemic on COVID-19 perceptions were analyzed. The partial or full mediating role of the infodemic was evaluated based on the effect of family functions on the infodemic through its sub-dimensions. Results: It was observed that trust, misinformation, and verification partially mediated the relationship between family behavior control functions and emotions and behaviors related to COVID-19. Verification partially mediated the relationship between family roles and thoughts about COVID-19. When examining the multiple mediating role of the infodemic in the relationship between family functions and measures taken regarding COVID-19, it was found that behavior control significantly predicted measures taken. However, when the infodemic was included in the relationship between behavior control and measures taken, the relationship became insignificant. Thus, trust, misinformation, and verification fully mediated the relationship between behavior control and measures taken regarding COVID-19. The relationship between family functions, the infodemic, and perceptions of COVID-19 was examined in terms of demographic variables. Women were found to be more functional in emotional responsiveness and had more negative thoughts and emotions about COVID-19 than men. In terms of parental education level, the mother's education level did not create a significant difference in any sub-dimension, but the father's education level was significantly higher in the problem-solving sub-dimension among those with primary education compared to those with high school, university, and higher education. The father's education level was found to be associated with dysfunction in problem-solving functions. In terms of family structure during COVID-19 quarantine periods, roles function differed significantly by family structure, with extended families being less functional than nuclear families. Furthermore, those who experienced losses in their close circles due to COVID-19 exhibited more dysfunction in roles function and had more fear, anger, anxiety, and behaviors like constantly checking their health compared to those who did not experience losses. Conclusion and Recommendations: Family functions in young adults affect their perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. Exposure to misinformation, trust in information encountered on social media, and verification of information play mediating roles in this relationship. It is believed that the findings of this study will contribute to the literature, researchers, and practitioners.