A1 Journal article (refereed)
Predicting physical distancing over time during COVID-19 : testing an integrated model (2022)
Hagger, M. S., Smith, S. R., Keech, J. J., Moyers, S. A., & Hamilton, K. (2022). Predicting physical distancing over time during COVID-19 : testing an integrated model. Psychology and Health, 37(12), 1436-1456. https://doi.org/10.1080/08870446.2021.1968397
JYU authors or editors
Publication details
All authors or editors: Hagger, Martin S.; Smith, Stephanie R.; Keech, Jacob J.; Moyers, Susette A.; Hamilton, Kyra
Journal or series: Psychology and Health
ISSN: 0887-0446
eISSN: 1476-8321
Publication year: 2022
Publication date: 26/08/2021
Volume: 37
Issue number: 12
Pages range: 1436-1456
Publisher: Routledge
Publication country: United Kingdom
Publication language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/08870446.2021.1968397
Research data link: https://osf.io/f95zh/?view_only=b8dfb42a2a1444b2bfe71e0faac82fe1
Publication open access: Not open
Publication channel open access:
Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/85688
Abstract
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.
Keywords: pandemics; communicable diseases; COVID-19; health behaviour; behavioural patterns; habits; social cognition
Free keywords: social cognition theory; habit; integrated models; social distancing; behavior change
Contributing organizations
Ministry reporting: Yes
VIRTA submission year: 2022
JUFO rating: 2
