If-then planning, self-control, and boredom as predictors of adherence to social distancing guidelines

Evidence from a two-wave longitudinal study with a behavioral intervention

Bibliographic Data

ID21628018
AuthorsMaik Bieleke (0000-0003-2586-1416, University of Konstanz, corresponding author), Corinna Martarelli (0000-0001-9160-793X), Wanja Wolff (0000-0001-8130-0272, University of Bern)
Year2023
Volume42
Issue11
Pages9095-9108
Publication date2023-04-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueCurrent Psychology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1046-1310 • E-ISSN: 1936-4733
PublisherSpringer Science and Business Media LLC (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1007/s12144-021-02106-7
PMID34413619
OpenAlexW3161835468
LanguageEN
Citations received7
References cited53

In the wake of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), social distancing is instrumental for containing the pandemic. To maximize its effectiveness, it is paramount to investigate psychological factors that predict adherence to social distancing guidelines and examine corresponding interventions. We focused on individual differences in if-then planning, self-control, and boredom, and tested an intervention based on if-then planning. We conducted a two-wave longitudinal study combining observational and experimental methods. Participants ( N = 574, 35.7% female, age: M = 37.5 years, SD = 10.8) reported their adherence to social distancing guidelines and the perceived difficulty of adherence at T1, along with trait measures of if-then planning, self-control, and boredom. Afterwards, they were randomly assigned to an if-then planning intervention to increase adherence, or to a control intervention. One week later at T2, participants again reported their adherence and the perceived difficulty of adhering. Multiple regression and structural equation modeling were used to establish whether trait if-then planning, self-control, and boredom predicted adherence, and to examine the effects of the if-then planning intervention. Trait if-then planning, self-control, and boredom were associated with T1 adherence, while only if-then planning and boredom predicted T2 adherence. No overall treatment effect of the if-then planning intervention emerged; however, participants who complied with the intervention (75.6%) maintained higher levels of adherence over time than control participants. In sum, individual differences in if-then planning, self-control, and boredom predicted adherence to social distancing guidelines. If-then planning interventions are promising but require further steps to ascertain compliance

Boredom · Developmental psychology · Distancing · Psychiatry · Self-control · Social distance · Behavioral Health and Interventions · Clinical Psychology · COVID-19 and Mental Health · Mind wandering and attention · Psychology · Social Psychology

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