Social distancing in times of corona
A longitudinal study on the role of (mass media-) communication for perceived social distancing norms
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 20509045 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Jule Scheper (0000-0001-6316-4238, University of Music, Drama and Media, corresponding author), Sophie Brun (0000-0002-8243-8916, University of Music, Drama and Media), Sophie Bruns |
| Year | 2026 |
| Volume | 29 |
| Issue | 1 |
| Pages | 189-208 |
| Publication date | 2026-01-02 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Information Communication & Society (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1369-118X • E-ISSN: 1468-4462 |
| Publisher | Informa UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1080/1369118x.2025.2502050 |
| OpenAlex | W4410398314 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 32 |
Although social norms are often described as ‘communication phenomena’, communicative influences on the emergence and development of perceived social norms are rarely considered in empirical research. Drawing upon a communicative perspective integrated into the theory of normative social behaviour, we propose that communication and observation of referent others, as well as mass media exposure, influence perceived social norms. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, we conducted a four-wave panel study to assess perceived social distancing norms in Germany. The results revealed limited communicative impacts. While mass media exposure influenced perceived social distancing norms only during specific junctures, the observation of and communication with friends and family showed no influence
Advertising · Business · Distancing · Longitudinal study · Mass media · Political science · Social distance · Social media · Sociology · Behavioral Health and Interventions · Environmental Education and Sustainability · Media Influence and Health · Medicine · Psychology · Social Psychology
Interpersonal communication
How Behaviors are Influenced by Perceived Norms
The effects of subjective norms on behaviour in the theory of planned behaviour
Operationalizing and Analyzing Exposure
Social norms
Do as we say and as we do
Modeling the Relationship Between Descriptive Norms and Behaviors
A critique of the cross-lagged panel model.
Social Influence
Social Distancing during the Covid-19 Pandemic in Switzerland
The acquisition of perceived descriptive norms as social category learning in social networks
Social norms as communicative phenomena
Measuring Media Exposure in a Changing Communications Environment
Norm Perception as a Vehicle for Social Change
Social Identity, Self-Categorization, and the Communication of Group Norms
Communication and Normative Influence
A Re-Explication of Social Norms, Ten Years Later
An Explication of Social Norms
Understanding the Influence of Perceived Norms on Behaviors
Reference Group Influence on Opinion Expression
Which communication channels shape normative perceptions about buying local food? An application of social exposure
Predictors and Consequences of Conversations About Health Promoting Media Messages
Public Beliefs About the Beliefs of the Public
A focus theory of normative conduct
The State of Cultivation
The presence of norms in the absence of groups
| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |