Psychological flexibility prospectively predicts COVID-19 PPE use across a two-month interval

ABSTRACT

Perceived susceptibility, psychological flexibility and health behaviors (PPE use, social distancing) were measured at two time points spaced 2 months apart during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown in the U.S.A (Time 1 April 2020; Time 2 June 2020). Demographic variables were also collected. Data from 151 Mturk workers indicated that Time 1 psychological flexibility significantly predicted PPE use and social distancing. The effect sizes were substantial. Perceived susceptibility was not a significant predictor. Psychological flexibility messaging and interventions could be an important way to increase the likelihood of people performing health protective behaviors to better constrain the continuing COVID-19 outbreak.

Keywords:

• Psychological Flexibility
• COVID-19
• Health Behaviors
• PPE use
• Social Distancing

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No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

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Funding

The author(s) reported that there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.