A psychological network approach to factors related to preventive behaviors during pandemics: A European COVID-19 study

Preventative behaviors are crucial in limiting the spread of COVID-19. Given the multifaceted nature of this pandemic, we adopted a complex psychological systems approach to obtain insight into the interplay and mutual dependence of factors related to adopting these behaviors, including attitudes, social norms, trust and health. We therefore conducted a survey study (n=1022) with subsamples from the United Kingdom (n=502) and Netherlands (n=520). The results highlight the importance of people’s support for, and perceived efficacy of, the measures and preventative behaviors, and of the perceived norm of their family and friends adopting these behaviors. The relation of these factors with other factors in the network is also highlighted. Future research should study effects of interventions aimed at these factors, including effects on the network. Finally, while the networks in both countries were largely similar, we observed notable differences that are possibly reflections of the different trajectories of this pandemic.