Predicting physical distancing over time during COVID-19: testing an integrated model

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

doi:10.1080/08870446.2021.1968397

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Predicting physical distancing over time during COVID-19: testing an integrated model

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Predicting physical distancing over time during COVID-19: testing an integrated model

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

Psychology & Health, Vol.37(12), pp.1436-1456

2022

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/08870446.2021.1968397

PMID: 34435916

Appears in COVID-19 Research

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Abstract

behavior change

habit

integrated models

Social cognition theory

social distancing

COVID-19

Objective: We applied an integrated social cognition model to predict physical distancing behavior, a key COVID-19 preventive behavior, over a four-month period. Design: A three-wave longitudinal survey design. Methods: Australian and US residents (N = 601) completed self-report measures of social cognition constructs (attitude, subjective norm, moral norm, perceived behavioral control [PBC]), intention, habit, and physical distancing behavior on an initial occasion (T1) and on two further occasions one week (T2) and four months (T3) later. Results: A structural equation model revealed that subjective norm, moral norm, and PBC, were consistent predictors of physical distancing intention on all three occasions. Intention and habit at T1 and T2 predicted physical distancing behavior at T2 and T3, respectively. Intention at T2 mediated effects of subjective norm, moral norm, and PBC at T2 on physical distancing behavior at T3, and habit at T1 and T2 mediated effects of behavior at T1 and T2 on follow-up behavior at T2 and T3, respectively. Conclusion: Normative (subjective and moral norms) and capacity (PBC) constructs were consistent predictors of physical distancing intention, and intention and habit were consistent predictors of physical distancing behavior. Interventions promoting physical distancing should target change in normative and personal capacity beliefs, and habit.

Details

Title: Predicting physical distancing over time during COVID-19: testing an integrated model
Authors: Martin S Hagger (Author) - University of California, Merced
Stephanie R Smith (Author) - Griffith University
Jacob J Keech (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy
Susette A Moyers (Author) - University of California, Merced
Kyra Hamilton (Author) - Griffith University
Publication details: Psychology & Health, Vol.37(12), pp.1436-1456
Publisher: Routledge
Date published: 2022
DOI: 10.1080/08870446.2021.1968397
ISSN: 1476-8321
PMID: 34435916
Organisation Unit: University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health - Psychology; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99569201402621
Output Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration; International collaboration
Web Of Science research areas: Psychology, Multidisciplinary; Public, Environmental & Occupational Health