The behavioral determinants of social distancing intentions in reducing the transmission of COVID-19: An application of the theory of planned behavior

ABSTRACT

Background: Social distancing has been an effective preventive measure to help reduce the spread of COVID-19, but usage is inconsistent. Behavioral science informs our understanding about preventive behaviors. The Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) is commonly used in public health emergencies to examine the factors of engagement in preventive behaviors. Aim: The first study objectives were to utilize the TPB to evaluate the psychosocial determinants associated with intention to social distance to reduce COVID-19 transmission among undergraduate students. The second study objective was to use meta-analytic procedures to evaluate the predictive utility of the TPB's main constructs in predicting intention to social distance as a preventive behavior to reduce transmission of COVID-19 and the extent that intention predict social distancing behavior. Study 1 Methods: The study used a cross-sectional design using secondary data of 1,076 students. TPB questionnaire measured intention, past behavior, attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was conducted. Study 2 Methods: Research databases were used to find literature using relevant keywords. Random-effects meta-analytic procedures were performed on the correlations between the different TPB constructs and intention and behavior. A moderator analysis was also conducted. Study 1 Results: In Model 1, all the TPB constructs were associated with intention to social distance. The inclusion of past behavior in Model 2 indicated that past behavior, subjective norm, and attitude were associated with intention to social distance. The models did well in explaining the variances in intention. Study 2 Results: There were 8 articles included in the analysis. Attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control were statistically significant predictors of social distance behavior. Subjective norm had the strongest association. Several moderator variables were associated with TPB constructs and intention and behavior. Conclusion: The findings support the predictive utility of the TPB to predict social distance intentions and behavior to reduce transmission of COVID-19. The findings are pertinent to at-risk environments like universities where COVID clusters can occur. Public health experts can utilize the TPB to highlight the salient factors in order to promote and sustain social distance behavior throughout the pandemic. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)