Attitudes towards social distancing in response to COVID‐19

Abstract

Objectives: COVID-19 has highlighted differences in our engagement in health prevention behaviors. The Health Belief Model (HBM), personality traits (conscientiousness, extraversion, and neuroticism), and sociodemographic variables were used to evaluate social distancing during the first month of a state-mandated Stay At Home (SAH) order.Design: A web-based convenience sample of 645 Ohioans was surveyed. Hierarchical linear regression and mediation analysis were used to examine predictors of social distancing attitudes and behaviors and whether health beliefs mediated the relationship between personality and social distancing.Results: Most respondents agreed with and adhered to social distancing guidelines.HBM constructs were strong predictors of SAH attitudes, while personality accounted for little additional variance. Anxiety was indirectly related to overall social distancing attitudes and behavior through its relationship with health beliefs. However, violations of social distancing were best explained by situational factors (e.g., being an essential worker). Conclusion:The results demonstrate the power of components of the HBM to explain attitudes and behaviors regarding the SAH order beyond any contribution from personality. By examining the role of personality and health beliefs on social distancing attitudes and behaviors, this research will benefit public health nurses and others tasked with communicating and promoting preventative health behavior.

The Influence of Physical Distancing, Sense of Belonging, and Resilience of Nursing Students on Their Viral Anxiety During the COVID-19 Era

“…During the COVID-19 pandemic, adherence to physical distancing was related to sense of personal responsibility or control over one’s own behavior [ 34 ], whereas decreased psychosocial well-being and lack of social support were associated with non-adherence to physical distancing [ 35 ]. Viral anxiety was also associated with adherence to physical distancing [ 36 , 37 ]. People who felt anxious about being infected with viruses tended to adhere to physical distancing.…”

Intolerance of Uncertainty Mediates the Influence of Viral Anxiety on Social Distancing Phobia Among the General Korean Population During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic

“…41 Conversely, individuals who feel anxious about viral infection are more likely to adhere to physical distancing policies. 19 Conversely, depression was significantly associated with cores of the total scale and three scale factors. The relationship between depression and social distancing phobia is somewhat complicated.…”

“…In this COVID-19 pandemic, viral anxiety might also be an important factor governing adherence to physical distancing rules since it can influence an individual's physical distancing behavior. 19 Recently, it was reported that anxious people are more likely to adhere to physical distancing policies. 9,20 Social distancing phobia, referring to the excessive anxiety of viral infection while being in public, is speculated to be associated with viral anxiety, though this association has not been well demonstrated yet.…”

“…In this COVID-19 pandemic, viral anxiety might also be an important factor governing adherence to physical distancing rules since it can influence an individual’s physical distancing behavior [ 19 ]. Recently, it was reported that anxious people are more likely to adhere to physical distancing policies [ 9 , 20 ].…”

Viral Anxiety Mediates the Influence of Intolerance of Uncertainty on Adherence to Physical Distancing Among Healthcare Workers in COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, viral anxiety has been reported to be associated with adherence to or compliance with physical distancing. Anxiety may influence people's physical activity and time spent outdoors ( 12 ); thus, it has been reported that people who feel anxiety tend to adhere to physical distancing ( 13 – 15 ). “Sodisphobia,” or viral anxiety, is defined as experiencing excessive anxiety of being infected with viruses while in public ( 15 ).…”