COVID-19 in college: Risk perception and planned protective behavior

Area of Science:

• Social Psychology
• Public Health

Background:

• The Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) is widely used to predict health behaviors.
• Its predictive validity may decrease over time and in individualistic cultures.
• Perceived risk is a crucial factor in health decision-making.

Purpose of the Study:

• To test the Theory of Planned Behavior's applicability to COVID-19 protective behaviors among American college students.
• To investigate the role of perceived risk in predicting these behaviors.
• To examine the influence of attitudes, norms, and control on behavioral intentions.

Main Methods:

• Online survey administered to 242 undergraduate students at two universities.
• Data analyzed using PROCESS macro for statistical modeling.
• Investigated relationships between TPB constructs, perceived risk, and protective behaviors.

Main Results:

• Perceived risk indirectly predicted protective behavior via behavioral intentions.
• Behavioral intentions were significantly influenced by positive attitudes, descriptive norms, and perceived behavioral control.
• TPB constructs remained significant predictors despite cultural context and vaccine availability.

Conclusions:

• The Theory of Planned Behavior remains a valid framework for understanding COVID-19 protective behaviors, even in individualistic settings.
• Integrating perceived risk enhances the TPB by identifying factors influencing norms and control.
• Findings can inform interventions promoting adherence to public health policies and other positive behaviors.