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When, why, and how do People Deviate from Physical Distancing Measures During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Mixed-Methods
Maité Van Alboom1, Fleur Baert1, Aline Wauters1
1Ghent Health Psychology Lab, Department of Experimental-Clinical and Health Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Ghent University, BE.
Psychologica Belgica
|September 20, 2021
Summary
Many Belgians deviated from COVID-19 physical distancing measures due to social needs. This deliberate behavior, analyzed using the Health Action Process Approach (HAPA), highlights challenges in maintaining public health guidelines.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Science
- Public Health
- Psychology
Background:
- COVID-19 pandemic necessitated physical distancing measures globally.
- Adherence to these measures proved challenging and effortful for many.
- The Health Action Process Approach (HAPA) provides a framework for understanding health behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate when, why, and how individuals deviated from physical distancing measures.
- To investigate the role of HAPA determinants in adherence to these measures.
- To understand the interplay between social needs and public health compliance.
Main Methods:
- An online mixed-method study involving 2055 Belgian adults.
- Data collection occurred in early May 2020 via email and social media recruitment.
- Assessed deviation through open-ended questions and HAPA determinants quantitatively.
Main Results:
- Approximately 50% of participants reported deviating from physical distancing measures.
- Deviation was significantly associated with all HAPA determinants.
- The primary reason for deviation was the need for social contact, often after careful risk assessment.
Conclusions:
- The need for social contact significantly influenced deliberate non-adherence to physical distancing.
- Findings suggest interventions should address psychosocial well-being alongside adherence promotion.
- Understanding the motivations behind deviation is crucial for future public health strategies.
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