Using an integrated social cognition model to predict Covid‐19 preventive behaviours

Bibliographic Data

ID23320198
AuthorsChung-Ying Lin (0000-0002-2129-4242, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Hung Hom Hong Kong), Vida Imani (0000-0003-1934-8560, Pediatric Health Research Center Tabriz University of Medical Sciences Iran), Nilofar Rajabi Majd (Social Determinants of Health Research Center Research Institute for Prevention of Non‐Communicable Diseases Qazvin University of Medical Sciences Iran), Zahra Ghasemi (0000-0002-8643-3100, Social Determinants of Health Research Center Research Institute for Prevention of Non‐Communicable Diseases Qazvin University of Medical Sciences Iran), Mark D Griffiths (0000-0001-8880-6524, International Gaming Research Unit Psychology Department Nottingham Trent University UK), Kyra Hamilton (0000-0001-9975-685X, School of Applied Psychology Menzies Health Institute Queensland Griffith University Mt Gravatt Queensland Australia), Martin S Hagger (0000-0002-2685-1546, School of Applied Psychology Menzies Health Institute Queensland Griffith University Mt Gravatt Queensland Australia), Amir H Pakpour (0000-0002-8798-5345, Social Determinants of Health Research Center Research Institute for Prevention of Non‐Communicable Diseases Qazvin University of Medical Sciences Iran, corresponding author)
Year2020
Volume25
Issue4
Pages981-1005
Publication date2020-11-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueBritish Journal of Health Psychology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1359-107X • E-ISSN: 2044-8287
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/bjhp.12465
PMID32780891
OpenAlexW3048325865
LanguageEN
Citations received55
References cited73

OBJECTIVES: Rates of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infections have rapidly increased worldwide and reached pandemic proportions. A suite of preventive behaviours have been recommended to minimize risk of COVID-19 infection in the general population. The present study utilized an integrated social cognition model to explain COVID-19 preventive behaviours in a sample from the Iranian general population. DESIGN: The study adopted a three-wave prospective correlational design. METHODS: = 33.34, SD = 15.77, male = 796, female = 922) agreed to participate in the study. Participants completed self-report measures of demographic characteristics, intention, attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioural control, and action self-efficacy at an initial data collection occasion. One week later, participants completed self-report measures of maintenance self-efficacy, action planning and coping planning, and, a further week later, measures of COVID-19 preventive behaviours. Hypothesized relationships among social cognition constructs and COVID-19 preventive behaviours according to the proposed integrated model were estimated using structural equation modelling. RESULTS: The proposed model fitted the data well according to multiple goodness-of-fit criteria. All proposed relationships among model constructs were statistically significant. The social cognition constructs with the largest effects on COVID-19 preventive behaviours were coping planning (β = .575, p < .001) and action planning (β = .267, p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Current findings may inform the development of behavioural interventions in health care contexts by identifying intervention targets. In particular, findings suggest targeting change in coping planning and action planning may be most effective in promoting participation in COVID-19 preventive behaviours. Statement of contribution What is already known on this subject? Curbing COVID-19 infections globally is vital to reduce severe cases and deaths in at-risk groups. Preventive behaviours like handwashing and social distancing can stem contagion of the coronavirus. Identifying modifiable correlates of COVID-19 preventive behaviours is needed to inform intervention. What does this study add? An integrated model identified predictors of COVID-19 preventive behaviours in Iranian residents. Prominent predictors were intentions, planning, self-efficacy, and perceived behavioural control. Findings provide insight into potentially modifiable constructs that interventions can target. Research should examine if targeting these factors lead to changes in COVID-19 behaviours over time.

2019-20 coronavirus outbreak · Cognition · Cognitive psychology · Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) · Developmental psychology · Infectious disease (medical specialty) · Psychiatry · Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) · Behavioral Health and Interventions · COVID-19 and Mental Health · COVID-19 epidemiological studies · Medicine · Psychology · Virology

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