Physical Distancing Behavior Research Articles

Psychosocial determinants of handwashing and physical distancing behaviour during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Netherlands: A longitudinal analysis.

Physical distancing and handwashing can be important infection prevention measures during an infectious disease outbreak such as the COVID-19 pandemic. To stimulate these behaviours, knowledge of psychosocial determinants as well as contextual factors is vital. We present longitudinal, within-person analyses of the impact of contextual and psychosocial factors on handwashing and distancing behaviour. We used individual-level data (186,490 participants completing 971,899 surveys) from the Corona Behavioural Unit COVID-19 Cohort, a dynamic cohort study conducted during 26 months of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Netherlands. Fixed-effects models were employed to estimate within-person associations between psychosocial factors and behaviour, combined with main and moderating effects of contextual factors. Pandemic severity was associated with more handwashing and distancing behaviour, while the duration of the pandemic had little effect. Within-person changes in response efficacy were most relevant for changes in both handwashing and distancing behaviour, while self-efficacy, descriptive norms and perceived severity of infecting others affected behaviour indirectly. These effects were stable over time. Associations were larger in cross-sectional models, indicating that such models tend to overestimate effects. Our study highlights the importance of longitudinal data and within-person models to detect possible causal associations. The results suggest that during an outbreak, government and public health professionals should clearly communicate the severity of the pandemic (e.g., hospitalization rates) and the effectiveness of recommended prevention measures in reducing that risk; and seek to improve people's capabilities and opportunities to adhere to guidelines, for example, by modifying the environment.

Physical distancing during the COVID‐19 crisis: The roles of threat and moralization

AbstractOne reason why the COVID‐19 pandemic presented a challenge to public health is that individuals struggled to adhere to virus protective behaviors, such as physical distancing. To aid understanding why people engaged in distancing practices, we investigated the role of threat perceptions and the moralization of physical distancing. We collected longitudinal data from 340 US citizens across five measurement waves from April 2020 to June 2021. Results showed that individuals who perceived COVID‐19 as more threatening, and those who more strongly moralized physical distancing, were more likely to engage in physical distancing behavior. Moreover, the effect of threat perceptions on physical distancing behavior was mediated by moralization of physical distancing. These results provide new insights into the adherence to physical distancing behaviors during pandemics and underscore the importance of moralization in shaping behavior.

The Role of Collective Group Orientation and Social Norms on Physical Distancing Behaviors for Disease Prevention

ABSTRACT To reduce the impact of communicable diseases like COVID-19, collective action is required and likely to be susceptible to normative influence as well as whether people are more or less collectively oriented. We extend the theory of normative social behavior (TNSB) to account for group orientation and predict the relationships between social norms and physical distancing behaviors. Using a rolling cross-sectional design during 17 weeks of the pandemic, a national sample of US residents from 20 states (N = 8,778) participated in the study. The findings show that perceived descriptive norms, injunctive norms, and group orientation are significantly associated with physical distancing. The descriptive norm-behavior relationship and injunctive norm-behavior relationship are moderated by group orientation and the other predicted moderators in the TNSB. The findings extend the TNSB and highlight the need to understand social norms and group orientation in formative research for health communication campaigns designed to promote prevention behaviors.

Development and Validation of the Physical Distancing Behavior Scale: A Study Based on the Integrated Behavior Model

This paper aims to develop a comprehensive scale within the framework of the Integrated Behavior Model (IBM), which is recommended for the protection of public health during the Covid-19 pandemic period and is the leading physical distancing behavior among health behaviors. Within the scope of the study, an item pool consisting of a total of 109 items was created and the first item analysis was performed in the pilot sample (N= 100). At the end of the pilot study, Physical Distancing Behavior Scale (PDBS) was developed, comprising a total of 39 items. This scale consisted of instrumental attitude, experiential attitude, subjective norms, perceived control, self-efficacy, environmental constraints, knowledge habit, intention, and behavior structures. Af-terwards, Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was applied to 322 participants (age: 36.48) resulting in 21 items and five structures including instrumental attitude, experiential attitude, perceived control, self-efficacy, and knowledge. After factor structures according to EFA had been formed, a Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was conducted on 472 participants (age: 36,99). The CFA results confirmed 4 constructs consisting of 19 items which are instrumental attitude, experiential attitude, perceived control, and self-efficacy (RMSEA=0.057, GFI=0.93, CFI=0.94, NFI=0.90, X2/df=2.51), Cronbach’s alpha scores of all sub-scales varied between 0.68-0.85. The results revealed that physical distancing behavior has been evaluated through the instrumental attitude, experi-ential attitude, perceived control, and self-efficacy constructs of IBM. In future studies, the scale may also need to be tested with different model studies. As regards the modeling studies that used this scale, examining diffe-rent samples could guide community-based intervention programs.

Physical distancing and its association with travel behavior in daily pre-pandemic urban life: An analysis utilizing lifelogging images and composite survey and mobility data

This study analyzed physical distancing in people’s daily lives and its association with travel behavior and the use of transportation modes before the COVID-19 outbreak. We used data from photographic images acquired automatically by lifelogging devices every 5 seconds, on average, from 170 participants of a 2-day wearable camera study, in order to identify their physical distancing status throughout the day. Using deep-learning computer vision algorithms, we developed three measures which provided a near-continuous quantification of the proportion of time spent without anyone else within a distance of approximately 13 meters, as well as the proportion of time spent without others within approximately 2 meters. These measures are then used as outcomes in beta regression and multinomial logit models to explore the association between the participant’s physical distancing and travel behavior and transportation choices. The multidisciplinary research approach to understand these associations accounted for a number of social, economic, and cultural factors that potentially influenced their physical isolation levels. We found that participants spend a significant amount of time physically separated from others, without anyone else within 2 meters. The use of public transportation, automobiles, active travel, and an increase in trip frequency, including trips to transportation facilities, reduced the extent of physical distancing, with public transportation having the most significant impact. Higher incomes, strong social networks, and a sense of belonging to the community reduced the tendency for physical distancing. In contrast, factors such as age, obesity, dog ownership, intensive use of the Internet, and being knowledgeable about climate change issues increased the likelihood of physical distancing. The paper addresses a crucial gap in our understanding of how these factors intersect to create the dynamics of physical distancing in non-emergency situations and highlights their planning and operational implications while showcasing the use of unique person-based physical distancing measures derived from autonomously collected image data.

Transmission prevention behaviors in US households with SARS-CoV-2 cases in 2020.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission frequently occurs within households, yet few studies describe which household contacts and household units are most likely to engage in transmission-interrupting behaviors. We analyzed a COVID-19 prospective household transmission cohort in North Carolina (April to October 2020) to quantify changes in physical distancing behaviors among household contacts over 14 days. We evaluated which household contacts were most likely to ever mask at home and to ever share a bedroom with the index case between days 7-14. In the presence of a household COVID-19 infection, 24% of household contacts reported ever masking at home during the week before study entry. Masking in the home between days 7-14 was reported by 26% of household contacts and was more likely for participants who observed their household index case wearing a mask. Participants of color and participants in high-density households were more likely to mask at home. After adjusting for race/ethnicity, living density was not as clearly associated with masking. Symptomatic household contacts were more likely to share a bedroom with the index case. Working individuals and those with comorbidities avoided sharing a bedroom with the index case. In-home masking during household exposure to COVID-19 was infrequent in 2020. In light of the ongoing transmission of SARS-CoV-2, these findings underscore a need for health campaigns to increase the feasibility and social desirability of in-home masking among exposed household members. Joint messaging on social responsibility and prevention of breakthrough infections, reinfections, and long COVID-19 may help motivate transmission-interruption behaviors.

WILL PHYSICAL DISTANCING BE THE NEW PERCEIVED WAY OF LIFE IN THE POST-COVID-19 PANDEMIC ERA?

Objective: The current study was conducted to determine whether people will keep practicing physical distancing behavior as part of their daily lives after the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: A structured questionnaire was prepared online using "QuestionPro" software for surveys, and the study was conducted electronically. The questionnaire for the study had two components, the first was related to the participant's demographics, and the other was about physical distancing questions. There were 16 questions in total. Results: Women were more fearful/careful and would want to limit socializing than men. The religious aspect is one primary reason people will be willing to avoid physical distancing. Physical distancing was more acceptable to people with higher education levels. This physical distancing trend might affect the public transportation and tourism industry. Conclusion: This study showed that the female gender and population with higher education are willing to follow better adherence to SOPs of the COVID-19 pandemic. Keywords: Post-pandemic, physical distancing, lifestyle, behavior, Pakistan

¡Ni te me acerques! (Stay Away!) Negotiating Physical Distancing in Hispanophone Corona Fictions

In March 2020, more than 100 governments around the world imposed partial or full lockdown policies prohibiting people to leave their homes except for activities deemed essential (e.g. procuring food, going to work) to reduce SARS-CoV-2 transmissions. Furthermore, authorities, media and peers encouraged people to adopt physical distancing behaviors, requesting not to touch each other and even keep a distance of at least one to two meters from one another.
 Cultural and literary productions—so-called Corona Fictions—represent and process the multitude of ways the population perceived and coped with the lockdown situation during the pandemic and its diverse effects. While literary texts written during confinement and published in anthologies focus on emotional states enhanced by the psychological impact of the lockdown, the narratives in films such as Norberto Ramos del Val’s ¡Ni te me acerques! (2020) focus on negotiating the process of physical distancing itself.
 This contribution will, thus, look at the representations of physical distancing in written and audiovisual productions from the first lockdown and analyze the similarities therein. From a cultural studies point of view, we are particularly interested in the ways these Corona Fictions negotiate physical distancing, isolation and self-reflection in their narratives of the respective medium.

Practical behavioural solutions to COVID-19: Changing the role of behavioural science in crises.

For a very long time in the COVID-19 crisis, behavioural change leading to physical distancing behaviour was the only tool at our disposal to mitigate virus spread. In this large-scale naturalistic experimental study we show how we can use behavioural science to find ways to promote the desired physical distancing behaviour. During seven days in a supermarket we implemented different behavioural interventions: (i) rewarding customers for keeping distance; (i) providing signage to guide customers; and (iii) altering shopping cart regulations. We asked customers to wear a tag that measured distances to other tags using ultra-wide band at 1Hz. In total N = 4, 232 customers participated in the study. We compared the number of contacts (< 1.5 m, corresponding to Dutch regulations) between customers using state-of-the-art contact network analyses. We found that rewarding customers and providing signage increased physical distancing, whereas shopping cart regulations did not impact physical distancing. Rewarding customers moreover reduced the duration of remaining contacts between customers. These results demonstrate the feasibility to conduct large-scale behavioural experiments that can provide guidelines for policy. While the COVID-19 crisis unequivocally demonstrates the importance of behaviour and behavioural change, behaviour is integral to many crises, like the trading of mortgages in the financial crisis or the consuming of goods in the climate crisis. We argue that by acknowledging the role of behaviour in crises, and redefining this role in terms of the desired behaviour and necessary behavioural change, behavioural science can open up new solutions to crises and inform policy. We believe that we should start taking advantage of these opportunities.

Physical Distancing and Social Media Use in Emerging Adults and Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Large-scale Cross-sectional and Longitudinal Survey Study.

BackgroundAlthough emerging adults play a role in the spread of COVID-19, they are less likely to develop severe symptoms after infection. Emerging adults’ relatively high use of social media as a source of information raises concerns regarding COVID-19–related behavioral compliance (ie, physical distancing) in this age group.ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate physical distancing among emerging adults in comparison with adults and examine the role of using social media for COVID-19 news and information in this regard. In addition, this study explored the relationship between physical distancing and using different social media platforms and sources.MethodsThe secondary data of a large-scale longitudinal national survey (N=123,848) between April and November 2020 were used. Participants indicated, ranging from 1 to 8 waves, how often they were successful in keeping a 1.5-m distance on a 7-point Likert scale. Participants aged between 18 and 24 years were considered emerging adults, and those aged >24 years were considered adults. In addition, a dummy variable was created to indicate per wave whether participants used social media for COVID-19 news and information. A subset of participants received follow-up questions to determine which platforms they used and what sources of news and information they had seen on social media. All preregistered hypotheses were tested with linear mixed-effects models and random intercept cross-lagged panel models.ResultsEmerging adults reported fewer physical distancing behaviors than adults (β=−.08, t86,213.83=−26.79; P<.001). Moreover, emerging adults were more likely to use social media for COVID-19 news and information (b=2.48; odds ratio 11.93 [95% CI=9.72-14.65]; SE 0.11; Wald=23.66; P<.001), which mediated the association with physical distancing but only to a small extent (indirect effect: b=−0.03, 95% CI −0.04 to −0.02). Contrary to our hypothesis, the longitudinal random intercept cross-lagged panel model showed no evidence that physical distancing was not influenced by social media use in the previous wave. However, evidence indicated that social media use affects subsequent physical distancing behavior. Moreover, additional analyses showed that the use of most social media platforms (ie, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram) and interpersonal communication were negatively associated with physical distancing, whereas other platforms (ie, LinkedIn and Twitter) and government messages had no or small positive associations with physical distancing.ConclusionsIn conclusion, we should be vigilant with regard to the physical distancing of emerging adults, but the study results did not indicate concerns regarding the role of social media for COVID-19 news and information. However, as the use of some social media platforms and sources showed negative associations with physical distancing, future studies should more carefully examine these factors to better understand the associations between social media use for news and information and behavioral interventions in times of crisis.

Understanding Occupants’ Physical Distancing Behavior for Safer Facility Operation under COVID-19 in the Context of Educational Facilities

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, the role of facility managers in controlling and limiting the spread of the virus among facility occupants is critical. To enable facility managers to design and evaluate the effectiveness of facility operational measures (e.g., limiting room occupancy, staggering schedules), researchers have developed simulation models that can predict the physical distancing behaviors of occupants in a given facility layout and facility operational policies. However, these models do not take into consideration the impacts of spatial and temporal constraints in a facility, which can limit occupants’ ability to physical distance. To this end, this study examines whether and how such constraints affect occupants’ physical distancing behaviors in the context of K–12 educational facilities, where physical distancing is extremely important. A survey to examine students’ physical distancing behaviors in educational facilities was designed and conducted in four educational facilities (n=527). The results indicate that occupants’ physical distancing behaviors are significantly affected by crowdedness of space (i.e., spatial constraint) given that spatial density impacts the perceived risk of infection. On the other hand, it appears that time pressure due to limited time to meet occupancy schedules (i.e., temporal constraints) does not much influence physical distancing behaviors. These findings are expected to provide a basis upon which to enhance occupant behavior simulation efforts by deepening our understanding of physical distancing behaviors of children and adolescents in educational facilities.

Nudging physical distancing behaviors during the pandemic: a field experiment on passengers in the subway stations of shiraz, Iran

BackgroundThe possibility of the emergence of new pandemics necessitates further research into using simple strategies to promote social distancing behaviors in public. Most of the current evidence on effectiveness of physical distancing interventions is based on self-report and measure of intention which will not necessarily predict actual behavior.MethodsA field experimental study was conducted in the subway stations of Shiraz, Southern Iran. The interventions were based on intuitions from protection motivation theory and consisted of using environmental nudges to notify the passengers of the pandemic situation (threat appeal) and a verbal advice on keeping a safe physical distance as an effective method of protection against COVID-19 (coping message). Average physical distancing was estimated as the number of steps between two consecutive passengers and was compared between interventions (n = 1045) and the control (n = 855) groups.ResultsA total of 1900 people riding on subway escalators were directly observed during two intervention conditions and the control condition. Under either threat or coping-based interventions, passengers were two times more likely (OR 2.0, 95%CI 1.5–2.7, P < 0.001) to keep a physical distance of at least 1.2 m from the traveler in front compared with those who did receive no intervention. The Kruskal-Wallis test revealed that there was a significant improvement in physical distancing behaviors with coping advice compared with threat appeal and the control conditions (χ2 = 120.84, df = 2, p < 0.001).ConclusionsOur findings suggest that simple and inexpensive theory-based interventions can be used in crowded public spaces to promote physical distancing within the context of the pandemic.

U.S. regional differences in physical distancing: Evaluating racial and socioeconomic divides during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Health varies by U.S. region of residence. Despite regional heterogeneity in the outbreak of COVID-19, regional differences in physical distancing behaviors over time are relatively unknown. This study examines regional variation in physical distancing trends during the COVID-19 pandemic and investigates variation by race and socioeconomic status (SES) within regions. Data from the 2015-2019 five-year American Community Survey were matched with anonymized location pings data from over 20 million mobile devices (SafeGraph, Inc.) at the Census block group level. We visually present trends in the stay-at-home proportion by Census region, race, and SES throughout 2020 and conduct regression analyses to examine these patterns. From March to December, the stay-at-home proportion was highest in the Northeast (0.25 in March to 0.35 in December) and lowest in the South (0.24 to 0.30). Across all regions, the stay-at-home proportion was higher in block groups with a higher percentage of Blacks, as Blacks disproportionately live in urban areas where stay-at-home rates were higher (0.009 [CI: 0.008, 0.009]). In the South, West, and Midwest, higher-SES block groups stayed home at the lowest rates pre-pandemic; however, this trend reversed throughout March before converging in the months following. In the Northeast, lower-SES block groups stayed home at comparable rates to higher-SES block groups during the height of the pandemic but diverged in the months following. Differences in physical distancing behaviors exist across U.S. regions, with a pronounced Southern and rural disadvantage. Results can be used to guide reopening and COVID-19 mitigation plans.

COVID-19: Identifying and addressing determinants of adherence to physical distancing guidance

BackgroundOptimising physical distancing measures has been a critical part of the global response to the spread of COVID-19. Adherence to these recommendations has been poorer than adherence to other key transmission reduction behaviours. The current project aimed to identify psychosocial determinants of adherence to physical distancing, and to determine whether Government of Ireland COVID-19 communications adequately address the determinants.MethodsA nationally representative cross-sectional survey as part of the International COVID-19 Awareness and Responses Evaluation (iCARE) study, a qualitative interview study, and a content analysis of COVID-19 poster communications were conducted to identify psychosocial determinants of adherence and determine the extent to which these were addressed in government communications.ResultsThe iCARE survey showed adherence to physical distancing measures varies by sociodemographic group (e.g., age, sex, COVID-19 risk category) and beliefs. Poorest adherence was reported by younger people, males, those at lower risk of serious illness from COVID-19, and those who were less concerned about the impact of COVID-19 on public health and the economy. The qualitative interview study revealed maintaining and negotiating close relationships, public physical environments, habituation to threat, risk-taking to maintain wellbeing, and confusion and uncertainty around government guidelines as barriers to physical distancing behaviour. Having a sense of personal responsibility and control over one's own behaviour was identified as a potential facilitator of adherence to distancing. Content analysis revealed some important gaps, particularly in terms of rationale for specific public health guidelines.ConclusionsThough adherence was high overall, there was variability among sociodemographic groups. Government communications to promote physical distancing could be refined to better address key barriers and facilitators of the behaviour.

DETERMINAN SOSIAL KESEHATAN DENGAN PERILAKU PHYSICAL DISTANCING PADA MAHASISWA

COVID-19 cases in Indonesia on 22 November 2020 were 493,308 cases. Social determinants of health and behavior influence mortality and morbidity in a community. Physical-distancing is an effort to maintain a distance between one person and another to avoid transmission of the COVID-19 disease. The purpose of this study was to research about social health determinants with physical-distancing behavior during the Covid-19 Pandemic for Students. This research applied analytic observasional method with design of crosssectional, case study on students of Universitas Negeri Semarang. The sampling technique was used a probability sampling technique with a cluster sampling type with a total sample size of 235. The instrument used was a questionnaire. The results showed that gender (P=0.044, PR=1.155), knowledge level of Covid-19 (P=0.000, PR=2.508), family support (P=0.003, PR=1.710), support from community leaders (P=0.013, PR=1.311), government support (P=0.002, PR=1.854), and respondents' perceptions (P=0.000, PR=4.465) are related to physical distancing behavior. The social determinant most related to physical distancing behavior is the level of knowledge (P=0.000). The conclusion of this study is the level of knowledge is the most influential factor in physical distancing behavior in College Students of Universitas Negeri Semarang.

Promoting physical distancing during COVID-19: a systematic approach to compare behavioral interventions

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, physical distancing behavior turned out to be key to mitigating the virus spread. Therefore, it is crucial that we understand how we can successfully alter our behavior and promote physical distancing. We present a framework to systematically assess the effectiveness of behavioral interventions to stimulate physical distancing. In addition, we demonstrate the feasibility of this framework in a large-scale natural experiment (N = 639) conducted during an art fair. In an experimental design, we varied interventions to evaluate the effect of face masks, walking directions, and immediate feedback on visitors’ contacts. We represent visitors as nodes, and their contacts as links in a contact network. Subsequently, we used network modelling to test for differences in these contact networks. We find no evidence that face masks influence physical distancing, while unidirectional walking directions and buzzer feedback do positively impact physical distancing. This study offers a feasible way to optimize physical distancing interventions through scientific research. As such, the presented framework provides society with the means to directly evaluate interventions, so that policy can be based on evidence rather than conjecture.

Systematic observation of physical distancing behaviors of trail users during the COVID-19 pandemic

During the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, opportunities for indoor and sometimes outdoor recreation were restricted across the world. Despite restrictions, many greenways and rail-trails saw increased use. Messaging from the federal and state public health authorities stressed the importance of social distancing and other preventive measures in reducing spread of the coronavirus. Little is known about actual behaviors of individuals and groups using these outdoor recreational opportunities. This study used passive infrared cameras to systematically observe physical distancing behaviors on multi-user trails to assess safety implications of trail use during June 2020. Most interactions occurred with the recommended six feet of distance between users. Maintaining six feet of distance is more likely to occur when groups are no larger than one person, users pass while traveling in opposite directions, and trails are wider. Messaging on multi-user trails should target how groups pass other groups such as: ‘keep six feet’ and ‘pass single file’.

Predicting physical distancing over time during COVID-19: testing an integrated model

Objective: We applied an integrated social cognition model to predict physical distancing behavior, a key COVID-19 preventive behavior, over a four-month period. Design: A three-wave longitudinal survey design. Methods: Australian and US residents (N = 601) completed self-report measures of social cognition constructs (attitude, subjective norm, moral norm, perceived behavioral control [PBC]), intention, habit, and physical distancing behavior on an initial occasion (T1) and on two further occasions one week (T2) and four months (T3) later. Results: A structural equation model revealed that subjective norm, moral norm, and PBC, were consistent predictors of physical distancing intention on all three occasions. Intention and habit at T1 and T2 predicted physical distancing behavior at T2 and T3, respectively. Intention at T2 mediated effects of subjective norm, moral norm, and PBC at T2 on physical distancing behavior at T3, and habit at T1 and T2 mediated effects of behavior at T1 and T2 on follow-up behavior at T2 and T3, respectively. Conclusion: Normative (subjective and moral norms) and capacity (PBC) constructs were consistent predictors of physical distancing intention, and intention and habit were consistent predictors of physical distancing behavior. Interventions promoting physical distancing should target change in normative and personal capacity beliefs, and habit. Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/08870446.2021.1968397 .

Decision Making across Adulthood during Physical Distancing

ABSTRACT Covid-19-related social-distancing measures have dramatically limited physical social contact between individuals and increased monetary and health concerns for individuals of all ages. We wondered how these new societal conditions would impact the choices individuals make about monetary, health, and social rewards, and if these unprecedented conditions would have a differential impact on older individuals. We conducted two online studies to examine temporal discounting of monetary, health, and social rewards; stated preferences for monetary, health, and social rewards; and physical distancing behaviors. Both studies recruited equal numbers of White/Caucasian, Black/African American, and Hispanic/Latinx participants. We found that older adults were more likely to prefer smaller, sooner social and health-related rewards in decision-making tasks. These data further support the assertion that older adults have increased motivation for social and health rewards compared to younger individuals and that these age differences in motivation are important to consider when examining decision-making across the adult life span.

Following the crowd in times of crisis: Descriptive norms predict physical distancing, stockpiling, and prosocial behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic

Individuals engage in a variety of behavioral responses to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic, from complying with or transgressing against physical distancing regulations, to stockpiling or prosocial behavior. We predicted that particularly descriptive social norms are important in driving pandemic-related behavior as they offer guidelines in times of insecurity and crisis. To investigate this assumption, we conducted a longitudinal survey with two measurement points ( n = 1,907) in Germany during the spring of 2020. Results show that descriptive norms (perceived behavior of close others) positively predicted future transgression against distancing regulations, stockpiling, and prosocial behavior over time. In our analysis, we account for previous behavior as well as other potential predictors (subjective threat, personality). In sum, our findings highlight the power of descriptive norms in increasing compliance with pandemic-related regulations and promoting future prosocial behavior.