When, why, and how do People Deviate from Physical Distancing Measures During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Mixed-Methods Study

Van Alboom, Maité; Baert, Fleur; Wauters, Aline; Beeckman, Melanie; Maes, Sarah; Kissi, Ama; Veirman, Elke; van Ryckeghem, Dimitri; De Paepe, Annick; Poppe, Louise

doi:10.5334/pb.1089

Reference : When, why, and how do People Deviate from Physical Distancing Measures During the COV...


	Document type :	Scientific journals : Article
	Discipline(s) :	Social & behavioral sciences, psychology : Theoretical & cognitive psychology
	To cite this reference:	http://hdl.handle.net/10993/49203

Title :	When, why, and how do People Deviate from Physical Distancing Measures During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Mixed-Methods Study
Language :	English
Author, co-author :	Van Alboom, Maité []
	Baert, Fleur []
	Wauters, Aline []
	Beeckman, Melanie []
	Maes, Sarah []
	Kissi, Ama []
	Veirman, Elke []
	van Ryckeghem, Dimitri [University of Luxembourg > Faculty of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences (FHSE) > Department of Behavioural and Cognitive Sciences (DBCS) >]
	De Paepe, Annick []
	Poppe, Louise []
Publication date :	Sep-2021
Journal title :	Psychologica Belgica
Publisher :	Société Blege de Psychologie
Peer reviewed :	Yes (verified by ORBi^lu)
Audience :	International
ISSN :	0033-2879
e-ISSN :	2054-670X
City :	Gand
Country :	Belgium
Keywords :	[en] COVID-19 ; physical distancing measures ; HAPA ; motivation for deviation
Abstract :	[en] To limit the spread of COVID-19, many countries, including Belgium, have installed physical distancing measures. Yet, adherence to these newly installed behavioral measures has been described as challenging and effortful. Based on the Health Action Process Approach (HAPA) model, this study performed an in-depth evaluation of when, why, and how people deviated from the physical distancing measures. An online mixed-method study was conducted among Belgian adults (N = 2055) in the beginning of May 2020. Participants were recruited via an open call through email and social media platforms, using snowball sampling. Conditions wherein people deviated from the physical distancing measures were assessed by means of an open-ended question. HAPA determinants were assessed in a quantitative way. Half of the sample reported to deviate from the measures. Further, deviation from the measures was associated with each determinant outlined by the HAPA. Findings highlight that many people deviated from the measures because of their need for social contact. The majority of the people who deviated from the measures stated that they carefully weighed the risks of their behavior. Need for social contact pushed people to deviate from physical distancing measures in a deliberate manner. Potential areas for future interventions aimed at promoting adherence to physical distancing measures and enhancing psychosocial well-being are discussed.
Permalink :	http://hdl.handle.net/10993/49203
DOI :	10.5334/pb.1089
Other URL :	http://doi.org/10.5334/pb.1089

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