Dark- and bright-side reactions to government advice about Covid-19, and a test of a method to moderate such reactions. (October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Martinsen, Øyvind Lund; Furnham, Adrian; Grover, Simmy; Arnulf, Jan Ketil; Horne, George
• Is Part Of: Personality and individual differences. Volume 181(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-10
• Subjects: COVID-19 pandemic -- Health behaviour -- Personality disorders -- Five-factor model -- Behaviour change; Personality -- Periodicals; Individuality -- Periodicals; Individuality -- Periodicals; Personality Development -- Periodicals; Personnalité -- Périodiques; Individualité -- Périodiques; 155.205
• DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2021.111016
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0191-8869

Abstract

Abstract: The aim of this paper was to study how individual differences in personality shape reactions to authorities ' health advice during the COVID-19 pandemic and how such reactions can be modified. Three studies, with between 249 and 407 participants, investigated this. Study 1 used a longitudinal design, and included measures of personality (NEO-FFI3, SCATI), political orientation, age and gender as predictors of reactions toward COVID-19 advice and regulations. Studies 2 and 3 were randomised experiments testing effects of principles for behaviour modification on such reactions. In study 1, we found that being female, older, or having liberal political views, as well as neuroticism, agreeableness and conscientiousness in the higher ranges, were associated with constructive reactions. Externalising personality disorders were related to opposite reactions. In study 2, we found that the experimental instructions had a significant positive impact on such reactions. These results were replicated in study 3. Implications and limitations are discussed. Highlights: Personality, gender, and age explain reactions to health advice during the pandemic. Those with a certain personality profile tend to oppose government advice. Instructions designed to increase adequate health behaviours had intended effects