A1 Journal article (refereed)
Application of the Health Action Process Approach to Social Distancing Behavior During COVID‐19 (2020)
Hamilton, K., Smith, S. R., Keech, J. J., Moyers, S. A., & Hagger, M. S. (2020). Application of the Health Action Process Approach to Social Distancing Behavior During COVID‐19. Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being, 12(4), 1244-1269. https://doi.org/10.1111/aphw.12231
JYU authors or editors
Publication details
All authors or editors: Hamilton, Kyra; Smith, Stephanie R.; Keech, Jacob J.; Moyers, Susette A.; Hagger, Martin S.
Journal or series: Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being
ISSN: 1758-0846
eISSN: 1758-0854
Publication year: 2020
Publication date: 02/10/2020
Volume: 12
Issue number: 4
Pages range: 1244-1269
Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell
Publication country: United Kingdom
Publication language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/aphw.12231
Publication open access: Not open
Publication channel open access:
Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/72903
Abstract
This study examined the social cognition determinants of social distancing behavior during the COVID‐19 pandemic in samples from Australia and the US guided by the health action process approach (HAPA).
Methods
Participants (Australia: N = 495, 50.1% women; US: N = 701, 48.9% women) completed HAPA social cognition constructs at an initial time‐point (T1), and one week later (T2) self‐reported their social distancing behavior.
Results
Single‐indicator structural equation models that excluded and included past behavior exhibited adequate fit with the data. Intention and action control were significant predictors of social distancing behavior in both samples, and intention predicted action and coping planning in the US sample. Self‐efficacy and action control were significant predictors of intention in both samples, with attitudes predicting intention in the Australia sample and risk perceptions predicting intention in the US sample. Significant indirect effects of social cognition constructs through intentions were observed. Inclusion of past behavior attenuated model effects. Multigroup analysis revealed no differences in model fit across samples, suggesting that observed variations in the parameter estimates were relatively trivial.
Conclusion
Results indicate that social distancing is a function of motivational and volitional processes. This knowledge can be used to inform messaging regarding social distancing during COVID‐19 and in future pandemics.
Keywords: health behaviour; pandemics; COVID-19; distance; social cognition; independent initiative; intention
Free keywords: action planning; coping planning; dual‐phase model: health action process approach; physical distancing; self‐efficacy; social cognition
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Ministry reporting: Yes
Reporting Year: 2020
JUFO rating: 1
