Theory of planned behavior constructs as mediators of relations between personality traits, trust, and COVID-19 preventive behavior adherence

Objective

Dispositional constructs (personality traits, generalized beliefs) are associated with health behaviors, but few studies test potential underlying mechanisms. The current study tested an integrated theoretical model specifying indirect effects of personality traits (conscientiousness, extraversion) and socio-political beliefs (trust in political leaders and health authorities) on initial participation, and subsequent trajectories, in COVID-19 preventive behaviors (handwashing, physical distancing, limiting social contact, mask wearing) mediated by social cognition constructs (attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control) and intentions.

Methods

Belgian residents (N = 1762) completed measures of dispositional and social cognition constructs and intentions for COVID-19 preventive behaviors on an initial occasion and self-reported their engagement in the behaviors on four follow-up occasions from April to July 2021. Model predictions were tested using latent growth curve modeling.

Results

Indirect positive effects of conscientiousness and trust in politicians and health authorities, and indirect negative effects of extraversion, on health behavior intentions and initial behavior participation as mediated through social cognition (with minor exceptions). These accounted for non-trivial variance in each outcome. Contrary to predictions, model constructs did not account for variance in behavioral trajectories.

Conclusion

The current analysis lends support for the model across behaviors, adding to an evidence base of potentially malleable determinants of COVID-19 preventive actions and a candidate mechanism. How to sustain adherence to COVID-19 preventive actions remains an open question in need of further research. Replication studies in other national contexts and other public health crises are warranted.