Individual and COVID-19-Specific Indicators of Compliance with Mask Use and Social Distancing: The Importance of Norms, Perceived Effectiveness, and State Response

Jordan A. Gette, Angela K. Stevens, Andrew K. Littlefield, Kerri L. Hayes, Helene R. White and Kristina M. Jackson
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Jordan A. Gette: Department of Psychological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79410, USA
Angela K. Stevens: Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
Andrew K. Littlefield: Department of Psychological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79410, USA
Kerri L. Hayes: American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry, Providence, RI 02914, USA
Helene R. White: Center of Alcohol Studies, Sociology Department, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
Kristina M. Jackson: Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 16, 1-17

Abstract: COVID-19 is a global pandemic that has resulted in widespread negative outcomes. Face masks and social distancing have been used to minimize its spread. Understanding who will engage in protective behaviors is crucial for continued response to the pandemic. We aimed to evaluate factors that are indicative of mask use and social distancing among current and former college students prior to vaccine access. Participants (N = 490; 67% female; 60% White) were current and former U.S. undergraduate college students. Perceived effectiveness and descriptive norms regarding COVID-19 safety measures, COVID-19-related news watching and seeking, state response timing to stay-at-home mandates, impulsivity-like traits, affect (mood), and demographic variables were assessed. Results found that greater perceived effectiveness indicated increased personal compliance within and across behaviors. Greater norms related to compliance within behaviors (e.g., indoor norms related to indoor compliance). Increased perceived stress, anxiety, and negative affect indicated greater compliance. More positive affect was associated with less compliance. Being non-White, compared to White ( p < 0.001), and female, compared to male ( p < 0.001), were associated with greater compliance. Overall, early implementation of stay-at-home orders, exposure to COVID-19-related news, and increased perceived effectiveness are crucial for health safety behavior compliance. Findings are important for informing response to health crises, including COVID-19.

Keywords: COVID-19; compliance; norms; perceived effectiveness; government response (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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