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.

中文翻译：

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COVID-19大流行期间社交距离的计划行为分析理论：关注意图-行为差距

背景 随着 COVID-19 继续在全球传播，了解可能影响社交距离依从性的心理因素非常重要。目的本研究探讨了计划行为理论（TPB）结构是否与社交距离相关，重点是探索意图-行为关系的调节因素。方法 采用纵向设计，美国成年人 (N = 507) 自我报告基线时和 3 个月后的 TPB 结构和社交距离行为。参与者来自美国 48 个州和哥伦比亚特区，平均年龄 50.39 岁（SD = 15.32，范围 = 18-80）。大多数人是非西班牙裔白人（71.6%），拥有学士学位或更高学位（55.3%），居住在郊区（55.8%）。结果 虽然对社交距离的积极态度随着时间的推移而增加 (p = .002)，但主观规范减弱 (p < .001)，感知行为控制 (PBC) 保持稳定 (p = .22)。有趣的是，尽管从基线到随访的意图有所增加 (p < .001)，但随着时间的推移，社交距离行为却显着减少 (p < .001)。与 TPB 一致，对于社交距离的基线态度 (p < .001)、主观规范 (p < .001) 和 PBC (p < .001) 都与社交距离的基线意图相关。反过来，基线意图与随访时的社交距离行为显着相关（p < .001）。相对于年长者和白人参与者，年轻人 (p < .001) 和非白人参与者 (p = .002) 表现出更大的意图-行为差距。相比之下，随着时间的推移，意图更稳定的参与者表现出更强的意图-行为关系 (p < .001)。结论 针对个人的态度、规范和 PBC 可以有效促进旨在减轻 COVID-19 和类似病毒爆发的传播的保护行为。未来的研究应该研究将社交距离意图转化为行动的有效策略。