Habits and Reflective Processes in COVID-19 Transmission-reducing Behaviors: Examining Theoretical Predictions in a Representative Sample of the Population of Scotland.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Based on theory, COVID-19 transmission-reducing behaviors (TRBs) should become habitual because of their frequent performance. Habits have been hypothesized to develop through reflective processes and, to act in conjunction with them.

Purpose

We investigated the existence, development, and consequences of TRB habits, for physical distancing, handwashing, and wearing face coverings.

Methods

A representative sample of the Scottish population (N = 1,003) was interviewed by a commercial polling company in August-October 2020 and half were re-interviewed later. Measures included adherence, habit, personal routine tendency, reflective processes, and action control for three TRBs. Data were analyzed using general linear modeling, regression, and mediation analyses

SUBMITTER: den Daas C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10578412 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature