Understanding Compliant Behavior During a Pandemic: Contribution From the Perspective of Schema-Based Psychotherapy

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Public Health
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated widespread adherence to public health measures.
• Understanding individual psychological factors influencing compliance is crucial for effective pandemic control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between compliance with anti-pandemic measures and core psychological needs (relationship, self-esteem, efficacy, pleasure).
• To examine the association between compliance and coping behavior styles (surrender, self-soothing, divert attention, confrontation).
• To explore the impact of non-pandemic related worries on compliance.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study design utilizing online survey data.
• Structured questionnaire based on schema-based psychotherapy principles.
• Data collected from 740 participants across Central Europe and West Africa.

Main Results:

• Higher compliance was associated with the psychological needs of "pleasure" and "efficacy."
• The coping style of "surrender" positively predicted compliance, while "confrontation" negatively predicted it.
• No significant relationships were found between compliance and "relationship," "self-esteem," "self-soothing," "divert attention," or "existential concerns."

Conclusions:

• Individual psychological needs and coping styles significantly predict adherence to pandemic countermeasures.
• Public health strategies should consider human need fulfillment and behavior patterns to enhance compliance.
• Recognizing these individual differences is key to controlling contagion effectively during health crises.