Theory of Planned Behavior Analysis of Social Distancing During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Focusing on the Intention-Behavior Gap

Abstract

Background: As COVID-19 continues to spread globally, it is important to understand psychological factors that may influence compliance with social distancing.

Purpose: The present study examined whether Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) constructs were associated with social distancing, with a focus on exploring moderators of the intention-behavior relationship.

Methods: Using a longitudinal design, U.S. adults (N = 507) self-reported TPB constructs and social distancing behavior at baseline and 3 months later. Participants were from 48 U.S. States and the District of Columbia and were on average 50.39 years old (SD = 15.32, range = 18-80). The majority were Non-Hispanic White (71.6%), had a bachelor's degree or higher (55.3%), and resided in suburban areas (55.8%).

Results: While positive attitudes toward social distancing increased over time (p = .002), subjective norms weakened (p < .001) and perceived behavioral control (PBC) remained stable (p = .22). Interestingly, despite an increase in intentions from baseline to follow-up (p < .001), there was a significant decrease in social distancing behavior over time (p < .001). Consistent with the TPB, baseline attitudes (p < .001), subjective norms (p < .001), and PBC (p < .001) for social distancing were all associated with baseline intentions to social distance. In turn, baseline intentions were significantly associated with social distancing behavior at follow-up (p < .001). Younger adults (p < .001) and non-White participants (p = .002) displayed a greater intention-behavior gap relative to older and White participants. In contrast, participants with more stable intentions over time displayed a stronger intention-behavior relationship (p < .001).

Conclusions: Targeting individuals' attitudes, norms, and PBC may effectively promote protective behaviors intended to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and similar viral outbreaks. Future research should examine effective strategies for translating social distancing intentions into actions.

Keywords: COVID-19; Intention–behavior; Prevention; Social distancing; Theory of planned behavior.

Fig. 1.

Path analytic model. Note: all parameter values are standardized; *p < .05, **p < .01, ***p < .001.

Fig. 2.

Significant moderators of the intention–behavior relationship. (A) Older participants exhibited a stronger intention–behavior relationship. (B) Non-White participants exhibited a weaker intention–behavior relationship relative to White participants. (C) Participants with stable intentions exhibited a stronger intention–behavior relationship compared to participants with unstable intentions.