PHOENIX, June 1, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The coronavirus
outbreak and associated shelter-in-place orders upended lives in
unprecedented ways. As the country begins to reopen, a return to
normal could be expected. However, a new survey on behalf of
University of Phoenix conducted by The
Harris Poll, found that COVID-19 has significantly altered U.S.
adults' behaviors to the point that many may never return to life
before the pandemic.
The survey found that 86 percent of U.S. adults are concerned
about the lasting impact the pandemic will have on their everyday
lives. More than three in four U.S. adults (76 percent) said that
the pandemic has caused them to shift their priorities. And, the
majority (73 percent) said they'd like to continue doing activities
that they've increased doing as a result of the pandemic once life
is back to normal.
"The coronavirus pandemic has been one of the single most
disruptive occurrences in the last decade and we could see ripple
effects in how we interact, live our lives and view society for
years to come ― if not indefinitely," said Dr. Dean Aslinia, University of
Phoenix counseling program chair. "A shift in behaviors is
almost always expected when people endure a substantial change in
lifestyle like we experienced, but the survey findings illustrate
that lives were impacted in unparalleled ways."
Changes in behaviors
Despite being eager to get back to life the way it was before,
the overwhelming majority (86 percent) said even after social
distancing guidelines are relaxed, they will be cautious. When
reentering society, many will continue to follow safety procedures
relating to personal health and social distancing implemented by
the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and World Health Organization
(WHO) during the pandemic.
When considering personal health, half said that they will wear
a mask and 28 percent will wear gloves at least most of the time in
public. Six in 10 (61 percent) will clean/disinfect items they
touch at least most of the time, and 62 percent will keep a
six-foot distant between themselves and others at least most of the
time.
Many expect to continue social distancing best practices even
after the pandemic subsides. More than half will be less likely to
attend a large gathering (53 percent) or travel internationally (52
percent) or domestically (37 percent) compared to before the
pandemic began. Some have even gone as far as saying they would
never participate in higher risk activities like using public
transportation (45 percent), hosting an event at their home (25
percent) or eating at a sit-down restaurant (10 percent).
Changes at work
Perceptions of work once social distancing guidelines are
relaxed elicited mixed feelings from both employed and unemployed
U.S. adults. For employed adults, more than two in five (43
percent) workers said that the pandemic has caused them to
reevaluate what they currently do for work. They would look for a
workplace where they can work remotely (51 percent) or a job that
is less public facing (34 percent).
For those who are not employed, 25 percent said it has caused
them to reevaluate what they would want to do for work. In a
new opportunity, they would look for a workplace where they can
work remotely (41 percent), a job that is less public facing (34
percent), an industry that is more stable or to be their own boss
(both 29 percent).
Changes in parenting
Although parents feel lucky to have had this extra time with
their children, those with minors have been parenting differently
during the pandemic. About half are allowing their children to wake
up later (51 percent) or go to bed later (46 percent), and a
similar proportion are allowing their children to have more screen
time (49 percent). Many encouraged their children to practice good
hygiene (63 percent), appreciate what they have (54 percent) and
learn something new (52 percent).
Despite loosening the reins a bit, many will instill new
boundaries after the pandemic subsides. Parents said once social
distancing guidelines are relaxed, a majority would still not be
comfortable allowing their children to visit places such as
attending a large gathering (66 percent), going to a theme park,
zoo, mall, etc. (58 percent), attending a birthday party (57
percent), or playing on a playground (53 percent). They were also
uneasy with their children engaging in many social
activities, like hugging their friends (60 percent), going on a
playdate (53 percent), attending school/daycare in-person (53
percent) or playing sports (45 percent).
"These survey results are not surprising as parents are feeling
the added stress of keeping their children safe and secure during
these uncertain times," said Aslinia. "Parents should make
decisions based on what they feel is best for their family and not
feel rushed to resume activities," added Aslinia. "Life has upended
for all of us and it will take time and patience before we can
fully adjust to this new world."
Survey Methodology
This survey was
conducted online within the United
States by The Harris Poll on behalf of University of Phoenix from May 12-14, 2020 among 2,067 U.S. adults ages 18
and older. This online survey is not based on a probability sample
and therefore no estimate of theoretical sampling error can be
calculated. For complete survey methodology, including weighting
variables and subgroup sample sizes, please contact Melany Stroupe.
About University of
Phoenix
University of
Phoenix is innovating to help working adults move
efficiently from education to careers in a rapidly changing world.
Flexible schedules, relevant and engaging courses, and interactive
learning can help students more effectively pursue career and
personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. University of Phoenix serves a diverse student
population, offering associate, bachelor's, master's and doctoral
degree programs at select locations across the U.S. as well as
online throughout the world. For more information,
visit phoenix.edu.
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SOURCE University of Phoenix