@article{den_Daas_C-2022_100646,
title = {An experimental COVID-19 messaging study in a representative sample of the Scottish population: Increasing physical distancing intentions through self-efficacy},
author = {den Daas, C. and Johnston, M. and Hubbard, G. and Dixon, D.},
month = {nov},
year = {2022},
abstract = {ObjectivesSelf-efficacy is important for adherence to transmission-reducing behaviours (e.g., physical distancing) as also shown in the CHARIS project. We aimed to show that a theory-based short message can increase physical distancing self-efficacy and intentions to keep physical distance.DesignStructured telephone surveys with a randomly selected nationally representative sample of adults in Scotland (N = 497).MethodsParticipants were randomly assigned to one of two experimental conditions: message condition (short message to increase self-efficacy via vicarious experiences, verbal persuasion and emotional arousal) or control condition (no message). Followed by measures for self-efficacy and intention for physical distancing on 4-point scales. Adherence to physical distancing was assessed on a 5-point frequency scale (never – always).ResultsUsing mediation analyses with bootstrapping procedures, we first confirmed that self-efficacy was associated indirectly with adherence, via higher intentions in a partial mediation (unstandardized indirect effect .21, 95% CI .18–.25). The message increased self-efficacy; participants receiving the message reported higher self-efficacy (M = 4.23,SD = .80) compared to participants in the control condition (M = 4.08,SD = .77; standardized regression coefficient = .19,p &lt; .05) and self-efficacy affected intention (.48,p &lt; .001). There was a small significant indirect effect of the message on intention via self-efficacy (unstandardized indirect effect .07, CI .01–.14).ConclusionsIncreasing self-efficacy for physical distancing with a short message can successfully increase intention to physical distance via increased self-efficacy. As both self-efficacy and intentions are important predictors of adherence to transmission-reducing behaviours short messages have potential to limit the spread of COVID-19.},
journal = {British Journal of Health Psychology},
publisher = {Wiley},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1111/bjhp.12632},
}
