Files and links (2)
Preprint VersionCC BY V4.0, Open Access
Preprint
A Global Experiment on Motivating Social Distancing During the COVID-19 Pandemic
PsyArXiv Preprints, Vol.31 May 2021
Cornell University
2021
Appears in COVID-19 Research
Abstract
Finding communication strategies that effectively motivate social distancing continues to be a global public health priority during the COVID-19 pandemic. This cross-country, preregistered experiment (n = 25,718 from 89 countries) tested hypotheses concerning generalizable positive and negative outcomes of social distancing messages that promoted personal agency and reflective choices (i.e., an autonomy-supportive message) or were restrictive and shaming (i.e. a controlling message) compared to no message at all. Results partially supported experimental hypotheses in that the controlling message increased controlled motivation (a poorly-internalized form of motivation relying on shame, guilt, and fear of social consequences) relative to no message. On the other hand, the autonomy-supportive message reduced feelings of defiance relative to the controlling message. Unexpectedly, messages did not influence autonomous motivation (a highly-internalized form of motivation relying on one’s core values) or behavioral intentions. Results supported hypothesized associations between people’s existing autonomous and controlled motivations and self-reported behavioral intentions to engage in social distancing: Controlled motivation was associated with more defiance and less long-term behavioral intentions to engage in social distancing, whereas autonomous motivation was associated with less defiance and more short- and long-term intentions to social distance. Overall, this work highlights the potential harm of using shaming and pressuring language in public health communication, with implications for the current and future global health challenges.
Details
- Title
- A Global Experiment on Motivating Social Distancing During the COVID-19 Pandemic
- Authors
- Nicole Legate (Author) - Illinois Institute of TechnologyThuy-vy Nguyen (Author) - Durham UniversityNetta Weinstein (Author) - University of ReadingArlen Moller (Author) - Illinois Institute of TechnologyLisa Legault (Author) - Clarkson UniversityZahir Vally (Author) - United Arab Emirates UniversityZuzanna Tajchman (Author) - University of MinnesotaAndras N. Zsido (Author) - University of PecsMiha Zrimsek (Author) - University of LjubljanaZhang Chen (Author) - Ghent UniversitySee article full text for complete list of authors (Author)Barnaby J W Dixson (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy
- Publication details
- PsyArXiv Preprints, Vol.31 May 2021
- Publisher
- Cornell University
- Date published
- 2021
- DOI
- 10.31234/osf.io/n3dyf
- Copyright note
- CC-By Attribution 4.0 International
- Organisation Unit
- Australian Centre for Pacific Islands Research; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health - Psychology; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99632440602621
- Output Type
- Preprint
Metrics
74 File views/ downloads
55 Record Views