Physical Distancing Behavior: The Role of Emotions, Personality, Motivations, and Moral Decision-Making.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Physical distancing behavior (PDB) is a key disease prevention strategy for limiting the spread of COVID-19. In order to effectively encourage it among adolescents, it is necessary to understand the associated mental mechanisms. Health behavior theories suggest that emotions, personality, motivation, and moral disengagement could all play a role. On the basis of a longitudinal study, we investigated the importance of these factors in predicting PDB.

Methods

The participants were 347 adolescents residing in Italy. Data were collected in four waves starting from 1 year before the pandemic. A structural equation model based on health behavior theory was tested.

Results

After the COVID-19 national lockdown, adolescents experienced fewer positive emotions and mor

SUBMITTER: Alivernini F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7798981 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature