Objectives. Consistent with behaviour observed in prior crises, individuals are stockpiling supplies during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The goal of this study was to describe stockpiling behaviour in response to COVID-19 and investigate individual predictors of stockpiling. Methods. Workers (N = 363, 54.72% male, 44.65% female, 0.63% other; M age = 38.41, SD = 12.48, range = 18-78) were recruited from Amazon's Mechanical Turk and completed a survey about their stockpiling of 13 items, as well as behaviours and opinions surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and their political affiliation. Results. Participants stockpiled, on average, approximately 6 items, and toilet paper was the item most commonly procured. Approximately 25% of the sample acquired a gun or other weapon in response to the pandemic and approximately 20% of participants stockpiled gold or other precious metals. Stockpiling was more commonly observed among individuals who were more conservative, worried more about the pandemic, and social distanced less. Conclusions. Individual, societal, and ideological implications are discussed. Statement of contribution What is already known on this subject? Consistent with prior crises and infectious disease outbreaks, COVID-19 has led to stockpiling (i.e., procuring real or perceived emergency supplies). Stockpiling stems from an individual's response, either rationally or emotionally, to scarcity, which may elicit stress, anxiety, fear, or panic, leading people to build private stocks or place orders for more than they need. In addition to scarcity, the experience of COVID-19 itself is linked to psychological distress, which may confer additional motivation to stockpile.
