Given that the coronavirus pandemic has become a severe concern worldwide, how can optimism be maintained during an outbreak of a collective pandemic? We propose that perceived control and negative affect could be potential explanatory factors for optimism in the face of a pandemic. In Study 1 (N = 599), through a large-scale cross-sectional design, we showed the indirect effect of risk perception on optimism through perceived control and negative affect with structural equation modeling. In Study 2 (N = 191), we manipulated perceived risk of the pandemic and determined that experiencing a high-risk pandemic psychologically led to decreased optimism. Finally, through Study 3 (N = 186) and Study 4 (N = 217), we revealed that the effect of risk perception on optimism can be extended to overall subjective well-being and confirmed the indirect effects via perceived control and negative affect. These findings indicate that risk perception can make a difference in one’s life optimism during a high-risk pandemic. Moreover, perceived control and negative affect are notable intermediary variables. Measures that strengthen publicity and transparency regarding recovery rates should be taken to help reduce public perceptions of risk and promote an optimistic life attitude.

新冠肺炎疫情已成为全球关注的焦点，在集体大流行的情况下如何保持乐观？我们认为，感知控制和负面影响可能是面对大流行时乐观的潜在解释因素。在研究1（ N = 599）中，通过大规模横断面设计，我们通过结构方程模型的感知控制和负面影响展示了风险感知对乐观情绪的间接影响。在研究 2（ N = 191）中，我们操纵了对大流行的感知风险，并确定经历高风险大流行在心理上会导致乐观情绪下降。最后，通过研究3（ N = 186）和研究4（ N = 217），我们揭示了风险感知对乐观情绪的影响可以扩展到整体主观幸福感，并通过感知控制和负面影响证实了间接影响。这些发现表明，在高风险大流行期间，风险认知可以改变一个人的生活乐观态度。此外，感知控制和负面影响是值得注意的中介变量。应采取加强康复率宣传和透明度的措施，帮助降低公众的风险认知，倡导乐观的生活态度。