Predicting Social Distancing Intention and Behavior During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Integrated Social Cognition Model

Martin S Hagger; Stephanie R Smith; Jacob Keech; Susette A Moyers; Kyra Hamilton

doi:10.1093/abm/kaaa073

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Predicting Social Distancing Intention and Behavior During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Integrated Social Cognition Model

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Predicting Social Distancing Intention and Behavior During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Integrated Social Cognition Model

Martin S Hagger, Stephanie R Smith, Jacob Keech, Susette A Moyers and Kyra Hamilton

Annals of Behavioral Medicine, Vol.54(10), pp.713-727

2020

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/abm/kaaa073

PMCID: PMC7543267

PMID: 32914831

Appears in COVID-19 Research

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https://doi.org/10.1093/abm/kaaa073View

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Abstract

Action planning

Habit

Dual-process models

Dual-phase models

Health behavior

Social cognition theory

COVID-19

Background: Social distancing is a key behavior to minimize COVID-19 infections. Identification of potentially modifiable determinants of social distancing behavior may provide essential evidence to inform social distancing behavioral interventions. Purpose: The current study applied an integrated social cognition model to identify the determinants of social distancing behavior, and the processes involved, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: In a prospective correlational survey study, samples of Australian (N = 365) and U.S. (N = 440) residents completed online self-report measures of social cognition constructs (attitude, subjective norm, moral norm, anticipated regret, and perceived behavioral control [PBC]), intention, action planning, habit, and past behavior with respect to social distancing behavior at an initial occasion. Follow-up measures of habit and social distancing behavior were taken 1 week later. Results: Structural equation models indicated that subjective norm, moral norm, and PBC were consistent predictors of intention in both samples. Intention, action planning, and habit at follow-up were consistent predictors of social distancing behavior in both samples. Action planning did not have consistent effects mediating or moderating the intention–behavior relationship. Inclusion of past behavior in the model attenuated effects among constructs, although the effects of the determinants of intention and behavior remained. Conclusions: Current findings highlight the importance of subjective norm, moral obligation, and PBC as determinants of social distancing intention and intention and habit as behavioral determinants. Future research on long-range predictors of social distancing behavior and reciprocal effects in the integrated model is warranted.

Details

Title: Predicting Social Distancing Intention and Behavior During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Integrated Social Cognition Model
Authors: Martin S Hagger (Corresponding Author) - University of California, Merced
Stephanie R Smith (Author) - Griffith University
Jacob Keech (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Social Sciences - Legacy
Susette A Moyers (Author) - University of California, Merced
Kyra Hamilton (Author) - Griffith University
Publication details: Annals of Behavioral Medicine, Vol.54(10), pp.713-727
Publisher: Springer New York LLC
Date published: 2020
DOI: 10.1093/abm/kaaa073
ISSN: 1532-4796
PMID: 32914831; PMC7543267
Organisation Unit: School of Social Sciences - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health - Psychology; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99480007802621
Output Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration; International collaboration
Web Of Science research areas: Psychology, Multidisciplinary