Social distancing (SD) was an effective way of reducing virus transmission during the deadly and highly infectious COVID-19 pandemic. Using a prospective longitudinal design, the present study explored how the Big 5 traits relate to variations in SD in a sample of university students (n = 285), and replicated these findings using informant reports. Self-determination theory’s concepts of autonomous motivation and intrinsic community values were explored as potential mechanisms linking traits to SD. Individuals who were higher on trait agreeableness and conscientiousness engaged in more SD because they more effectively internalized the importance and value of the guidelines as a function of their concerns about the welfare of their communities. Informant reports confirmed trait agreeableness and conscientiousness to be associated with more SD. These results enhance our understanding of individual differences associated with better internalization and adherence to public health guidelines and can inform future interventions in similar crises.

社交距离 (SD) 是在致命和高度传染性的 COVID-19 大流行期间减少病毒传播的有效方法。本研究使用前瞻性纵向设计，探索了大学生样本（n = 285）中的 5 大特征与 SD 变化的关系，并使用知情人报告复制了这些发现。自我决定理论的自主动机和内在社区价值观的概念被探索为将特质与 SD 联系起来的潜在机制。性格随和性和尽责性较高的个人参与更多的 SD，因为他们更有效地将指南的重要性和价值内化为他们对社区福利的关注的函数。知情人报告证实，性格随和性和责任心与更多的 SD 相关。