Application of the Health Action Process Approach to Social Distancing Behavior During COVID‐19
Author(s): Hamilton, Kyra; Smith, Stephanie R; Keech, Jacob J; Moyers, Susette A; Hagger, Martin S | Abstract: BackgroundThis study examined the social cognition determinants of social distancing behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic in samples from Australia and the US guided by the health action process approach (HAPA).MethodsParticipants (Australia: Nn=n495, 50.1% women; US: Nn=n701, 48.9% women) completed HAPA social cognition constructs at an initial time-point (T1), and one week later (T2) self-reported their social distancing behavior.ResultsSingle-indicator structural equation models that excluded and included past behavior exhibited adequate fit with the data. Intention and action …
Improving Hand Hygiene Behavior Using a Novel Theory-Based Intervention During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Abstract Background Promoting the adoption of personal hygiene behaviors known to reduce the transmission of COVID-19, such as avoiding touching one’s face with unwashed hands, is important for limiting the spread of infections. Purpose We aimed to test the efficacy of a theory-based intervention to promote the avoidance of touching one’s face with unwashed hands to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Methods We tested effects of an intervention employing imagery, persuasive communication, and planning techniques in two pre-registered studies adopting randomized controlled designs in samples of Australian (N = 254; Study 1) and US (N = 245; Study 2) residents. Participants were randomly assigned…
Predicting physical distancing over time during COVID-19 : testing an integrated model
Objective: We applied an integrated social cognition model to predict physical distancing behavior, a key COVID-19 preventive behavior, over a four-month period. Design: A three-wave longitudinal survey design. Methods: Australian and US residents (N = 601) completed self-report measures of social cognition constructs (attitude, subjective norm, moral norm, perceived behavioral control [PBC]), intention, habit, and physical distancing behavior on an initial occasion (T1) and on two further occasions one week (T2) and four months (T3) later. Results: A structural equation model revealed that subjective norm, moral norm, and PBC, were consistent predictors of physical distancing intention on …
Predicting Social Distancing Intention and Behavior During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Integrated Social Cognition Model.
Abstract Background Social distancing is a key behavior to minimize COVID-19 infections. Identification of potentially modifiable determinants of social distancing behavior may provide essential evidence to inform social distancing behavioral interventions. Purpose The current study applied an integrated social cognition model to identify the determinants of social distancing behavior, and the processes involved, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods In a prospective correlational survey study, samples of Australian (N = 365) and U.S. (N = 440) residents completed online self-report measures of social cognition constructs (attitude, subjective norm, moral norm, anticipated regret…
Known knowns and known unknowns on behavior change interventions and mechanisms of action.
Systematic reviews and meta-analyses of research play an important role in summarizing current knowledge on the efficacy of the behavior change techniques and mechanisms of action that comprise behavioral interventions. The current reviews in the science of behavior change (SOBC) special issue represent a ‘step change’ in evaluating current evidence on behavior change interventions and mechanisms. This concluding article outlines the key findings and emerging issues identified in the reviews (‘known knowns’), and summarizes the evidence gaps highlighted by the reviews that need to be addressed in future research (‘known unknowns’). Specifically, findings of the reviews indicate that: tests …
Predicting physical distancing over time during COVID-19: testing an integrated model.
Objective: We applied an integrated social cognition model to predict physical distancing behavior, a key COVID-19 preventive behavior, over a four-month period. Design: A three-wave longitudinal survey design. Methods: Australian and US residents (N = 601) completed self-report measures of social cognition constructs (attitude, subjective norm, moral norm, perceived behavioral control [PBC]), intention, habit, and physical distancing behavior on an initial occasion (T1) and on two further occasions one week (T2) and four months (T3) later. Results: A structural equation model revealed that subjective norm, moral norm, and PBC, were consistent predictors of physical distancing intention on …
Behavioral Health Theories, Equity, and Disparities in Global Health : A Basic Process Model
Lack of participation in health-promoting behaviors and participation in behaviors that contribute to health risks have been linked to health disparities observed among individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. This chapter presents a basic process model to summarize the effects of socio-structural variables linked to health disparities – socioeconomic status, education, health literacy, ethnicity, and religiosity – on individuals’ beliefs and cognitions that determine behavior. Socio-structural characteristics were proposed to have a pervasive effect on individuals’ beliefs and other constructs from social cognition theories which impact their decisions to participate in prospective heal…
Physical activity and sense of coherence : a meta-analysis
The salutogenic model of health proposes that sense of coherence, a multi-dimensional construct representing individuals’ perceptions that their environment is comprehensible, manageable, and meaningful, is a key determinant of stress management and well-being. Generalized resistance resources such as preventive health orientation, material resources, and social support are proposed as determinants of sense of coherence. Health behaviors, particularly physical activity, are proposed as indicators of a preventive health orientation and predictors of sense of coherence. We synthesized research on the relationship between physical activity and sense of coherence using three-level meta-analysis…