Psychological factors underlying adherence to COVID-19 regulations: A commentary on how to promote compliance through mass media and limit the risk of a second wave

• Main Author: Alessio Bellato
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier 2020-01-01
• Series: Social Sciences and Humanities Open
• Subjects: COVID-19; Social distancing; Compliance; Mass media; Empathy; Social influence
• Online Access: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590291120300516

Considering the possibility of a second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, this brief commentary is intended to share some suggestions on how to phrase public health advice about maintaining social distancing, using face masks in public spaces and adhering to personal hygiene measures. The discussion will be focused on three factors: empathy, positive mood and social influence. The commentary concludes with a series of brief suggestions aimed at policy makers and stakeholders involved in promoting adherence to regulations to avoid a second wave of the pandemic through mass media communications.