A Global Experiment on Motivating Social Distancing during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Social distance
Pandemic
2019-20 coronavirus outbreak
Distancing
DOI:
10.31234/osf.io/n3dyf_v1
Publication Date:
2025-03-22T15:31:19Z
AUTHORS (520)
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 messages promoted personal agency reflective choices (i.e., an autonomy-supportive message) or were restrictive shaming (i.e. controlling compared no message at all. Results partially supported experimental in increased controlled motivation (a poorly-internalized form relying on shame, guilt, fear consequences) relative message. On other hand, lowered feelings defiance message, but did not differ receiving Unexpectedly, influence autonomous highly-internalized one’s core values) behavioral intentions. hypothesized associations between people’s existing motivations self-reported intentions engage distancing: Controlled was associated with more less long-term distancing, whereas short- distance. Overall, this work highlights potential harm using pressuring language communication, implications for current future challenges.
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