From Perception to Action: The Influence of Distrust in Government on Panic Buying in the COVID-19 Era

This research explores the complex dynamics of panic buying during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a comprehensive cross-sectional dataset from an online survey conducted in T¨urkiye, I employ the control function approach to examine the psychological and societal effects of the pandemic. The results show a strong positive association between the perceived adequacy of government protective measures and panic buying behavior. Moreover, the study uncovers the mediating role of individual anxiety levels in this association, highlighting the complexity of this behavior. These findings underscore the need to consider psychological components when developing crisis management strategies, particularly in health emergencies.