ABSTRACT
Changing collective behaviour and supporting non-pharmaceutical interventions is an important component in mitigating virus transmission during a pandemic. In a large international collaboration (Study 1, N = 49,968 across 67 countries), we investigated self-reported factors that associated with people reported adopting public health behaviours (e.g., spatial distancing and stricter hygiene) and endorsed public policy interventions (e.g., closing bars and restaurants) during the early stage of the pandemic (April-May 2020). Respondents who reported identifying more strongly with their nation consistently reported greater engagement in public health behaviours and support for public health policies. Results were similar for representative and non-representative national samples. Study 2 (N = 42 countries) conceptually replicated the central finding using aggregate indices of national identity (obtained using the World Values Survey) and a measure of actual behaviour change during the pandemic (obtained from Google mobility reports). Higher levels of national identification prior to the pandemic predicted lower mobility during the early stage of the pandemic (r = -.40). We discuss the potential implications of links between national identity, leadership, and public health for managing COVID-19 and future pandemics.
Subject(s)
COVID-19ABSTRACT
Momentary emotional experiences constitute a key ingredient of psychological wellbeing. Here, we examine the role of emotional experiences for wellbeing during the prolonged stress of the COVID-19 pandemic. Study 1 compared the relative importance of emotional experiences for wellbeing before versus during the pandemic using pre-registered analyses with representative samples. Negative emotional experiences were more detrimental and positive emotional experiences less protective for wellbeing during the pandemic. Study 2 examined the role of specific emotional experiences for wellbeing during the pandemic using survey data from 24,221 participants in 51 countries. Momentary feelings of calm, hope, anxiety, loneliness, and sadness were, across countries, central to wellbeing. These results were replicated in pre-registered studies with representative samples and in a diary study. These findings highlight the particular role of momentary emotional experiences for wellbeing during prolonged stress, and point to specific types of momentary emotional experiences as prime candidates for wellbeing interventions.