High Boredom Proneness and Low Trait Self-Control Impair Adherence to Social Distancing Guidelines during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Wanja Wolff,Corinna S Martarelli,Julia Schüler,Maik Bieleke

doi:10.3390/ijerph17155420

Abstract

Social distancing during the coronavirus-disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is crucial to reduce the spread of the virus. However, its effectiveness hinges on adherence by individuals who face substantial burdens from the required behavioral restrictions. Here, we investigate sources of individual variation in adhering to social distancing guidelines. In a high-powered study (N = 895), we tested direct and indirect effects of boredom and self-control on adherence. The results showed that both traits were important predictors of adherence but the underlying mechanisms differed. Specifically, individuals high in boredom perceived social distancing as more difficult, which in turn reduced their adherence (i.e., a mediated effect). In contrast, individuals high in self-control adhered more to the guidelines without perceiving them as more or less difficult; however, self-control moderated the effect of difficulty on adherence. Our results are immediately relevant to improve the efficacy of social distancing guidelines in the COVID-19 response.

Highlights

IntroductionThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) had developed into a pandemic [1]
In December 2019, a new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) was discovered
The scales assessing boredom proneness (SBPS) and self-control (CFSCS) showed very good internal consistencies (Cronbach’s αs = 0.92) and were negatively correlated with each other, r = −0.61, 95% CI [−0.65, −.57], t(893) = 23.02, p < 0.001

Summary

Introduction

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) had developed into a pandemic [1]. Government actions like the canceling of mass events or home confinement periods are important for protecting the public health system from being overwhelmed by a rapid rise in COVID-19 cases. These actions must be accompanied by measures on the individual level. Governments urge people to reduce unnecessary travel, avoid private gatherings, and employ social distancing. The effectiveness of these measures relies largely on the compliance of the population. Individual adherence is crucially important to contain the spread of COVID-19

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion