Changing collective and supporting non-pharmaceutical interventions is an important component in mitigating virus transmission during a pandemic. In a large international collaboration (Study 1, N = 49,968 across 67 countries), we investigated self-reported factors associated with public health spatial distancing and stricter hygiene and endorsed public policy interventions (e.g., closing bars and restaurants) during the early stage of the COVID-19 pandemic (April-May 2020). Respondents who reported identifying more strongly with their nation consistently reported greater engagement in public health and support for public health policies. Results were similar for representative and non-representative national samples. Study 2 (N = 42 countries) conceptually replicated the central finding using aggregate indices of national identity (obtained using the World Values Survey) and a measure of actual change during the pandemic (obtained from Google mobility reports). Higher levels of national identification prior to the pandemic predicted lower mobility during the early stage of the pandemic (r = −0.40). We discuss the potential implications of links between national identity, leadership, and public health for managing COVID-19 and future pandemics.
As of October 2021, more than 235 million people worldwide have been infected by the new coronavirus and nearly 5 million have died1, making the COVID-19 pandemic one of the greatest health crises of the past century. Until a vaccine or effective medical treatment is widely administered, the public response to the pandemic is largely limited to non-pharmaceutical interventions, including and collective change2. To reduce virus transmission, it is crucial that people engage in public health (e.g., maintain spatial distance and improve physical hygiene) and support COVID-19 protective policies (e.g., limiting travel and closing bars and restaurants). And even after effective vaccines are administered, it is critical to convince people to take them. This is why the Director of the World Health Organization declared: That’s science is so important – it helps us to understand how people make decisions, so we can support them to make the best decisions for their health
In the current investigation, we respond to this call for science on the pandemic. Specifically, we present the results from two large-scale global studies across 67 (Study 1) and 42 (Study 2) countries, testing key predictors of public health support during COVID-19. Focusing on the potential role of national identity, we examine the role of key social motives in collective during the pandemic. This research may help scholars, health organizations, and political leaders identify important factors and design more effective interventions to increase compliance with actions such as maintaining spatial distance and restricting travel during a pandemic.
During a global pandemic, leaders and public health officials need to inform and mobilize the public to no longer considered socially responsible. However, recent evidence suggests this type of leadership requires cultivating a shared sense of solidarity to increase compliance with recommended health behaviours4,5,6. Solidarity with other members of one’s group is a component of identification7, that is, the personal significance that being part of a group (e.g., nation) holds for an individual7,8,9,10. Identifying with a group is associated with mutual cooperation and adherence to its norms11,12,13, motivation to help other members of their group14,15, and a willingness to engage in collectively-oriented
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