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Risk compensation during COVID-19: The impact of face mask usage on social distancing.
Luckman, Ashley; Zeitoun, Hossam; Isoni, Andrea; Loomes, Graham; Vlaev, Ivo; Powdthavee, Nattavudh; Read, Daniel.
  • Luckman A; Warwick Business School, University of Warwick.
  • Zeitoun H; Warwick Business School, University of Warwick.
  • Isoni A; Warwick Business School, University of Warwick.
  • Loomes G; Warwick Business School, University of Warwick.
  • Vlaev I; Warwick Business School, University of Warwick.
  • Powdthavee N; Warwick Business School, University of Warwick.
  • Read D; Warwick Business School, University of Warwick.
J Exp Psychol Appl ; 27(4): 722-738, 2021 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1650610
ABSTRACT
To reduce the spread of COVID-19, governments around the world have recommended or required minimum physical distancing between individuals, as well as either mandating or recommending the use of face coverings (masks) in certain circumstances. When multiple risk reduction activities can be adopted, people may engage in risk compensation by responding to a reduced (perceived) risk exposure due to one activity by increasing risk exposure due to another. We tested for risk compensation in two online experiments that investigated whether either wearing a mask or seeing others wearing masks reduced physical distancing. We presented participants with stylized images of everyday scenarios involving themselves with or without a mask and a stranger with or without a mask. For each scenario, participants indicated the minimum distance they would keep from the stranger. In line with risk compensation, we found that participants indicated they would stand, sit, or walk closer to the stranger if either of them was wearing a mask. This form of risk compensation was stronger for those who believed masks were effective at preventing catching or spreading COVID-19, and for younger (18-40 years) compared to older (over 65 years) participants. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).
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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: COVID-19 / Masks Type of study: Experimental Studies / Prognostic study Limits: Humans Language: English Journal: J Exp Psychol Appl Journal subject: Psychology Year: 2021 Document Type: Article

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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: COVID-19 / Masks Type of study: Experimental Studies / Prognostic study Limits: Humans Language: English Journal: J Exp Psychol Appl Journal subject: Psychology Year: 2021 Document Type: Article