During the COVID-19 pandemic, the adherence to anti-contagion measures was the way to contain the pandemic and overwhelmed healthcare systems. Protection Motivation Theory might offer a valid framework to identify predictors of individuals’ motivation to protect themselves from COVID-19. We examined the role of threat and coping appraisals, together with values, in predicting the intentions to follow anti-contagion measures among Italians. We used a correlational design. Path analysis was performed to examine the relationships among variables. A total of 420 participants completed an online survey assessing threat appraisal (perceived threat severity and vulnerability), coping appraisal (perceived response efficacy and self-efficacy), fear of COVID-19, intentions to follow government measures, values. Threat appraisal was positively associated with intentions to follow anti-contagion measures via fear of COVID-19. Coping appraisal and values showed a positive association with the intentions to follow government measures to avoid the spread of COVID-19. Our findings suggest that public-health communications might enhance threat and coping appraisal to increase the intention to follow anti-contagion measures among Italians. Also the role of fear should be considered in health policies. Furthermore, appeals to values could be useful to increase compliance with COVID‐19 behavioral guidelines.
Containment measures against COVID-19 in Italy: The role of protection motivation and values
Policardo G. R.;
2022-01-01
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the adherence to anti-contagion measures was the way to contain the pandemic and overwhelmed healthcare systems. Protection Motivation Theory might offer a valid framework to identify predictors of individuals’ motivation to protect themselves from COVID-19. We examined the role of threat and coping appraisals, together with values, in predicting the intentions to follow anti-contagion measures among Italians. We used a correlational design. Path analysis was performed to examine the relationships among variables. A total of 420 participants completed an online survey assessing threat appraisal (perceived threat severity and vulnerability), coping appraisal (perceived response efficacy and self-efficacy), fear of COVID-19, intentions to follow government measures, values. Threat appraisal was positively associated with intentions to follow anti-contagion measures via fear of COVID-19. Coping appraisal and values showed a positive association with the intentions to follow government measures to avoid the spread of COVID-19. Our findings suggest that public-health communications might enhance threat and coping appraisal to increase the intention to follow anti-contagion measures among Italians. Also the role of fear should be considered in health policies. Furthermore, appeals to values could be useful to increase compliance with COVID‐19 behavioral guidelines.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
