Alison M. Bacon|Philip J. Corr
Coronavirus (COVID?19) in the United Kingdom: A personality?based perspective on concerns and intention to self?isolate
University of Plymouth|City, University of London
objectives public behaviour change necessary contain spread coronavirus covid19 based reinforcement sensitivity theory rst framework study presents examination individual differences relevant psychological factors design crosssectional psychometric methods uk respondents n 202 completed personality questionnaire rstpq measures illness attitudes concerns impact coronavirus health services socioeconomic infrastructures personal safety likelihood voluntary selfisolation results respondents concerned older negative illness attitudes scored higher reward reactivity rr indicating motivation take positive approach action despite prevailing worryanxiety personal safety concerns highest negative illness attitudes higher fightflightfreeze system fffs reflecting fearavoidance scores results suggest people experiencing psychological conflict urge stay safe ffffrelated desire maintain normal pleasurable rrrelated life ways ameliorating conflict may include maladaptive behaviours panic buying reflecting rewardrelated displacement activity intended selfisolation related fffs also low behavioural inhibition system related anxiety scores older people reported less likely selfisolate conclusions interventions need consider individual differences psychological factors behaviour change discuss relevant literature inform policy makers communicators statement contribution already known subject reinforcement sensitivity theory rst personality systems influence perception persuasive health messages however limited evidence direct effects health concerns behaviours none relating specific infectious diseases study add reward reactivity rr associated concern impact coronavirus nhs social infrastructures indicating motivation take positiveapproach action despite worryanxiety personal safety concerns related fightflightfreeze system traits fffs reflecting fearavoidance intended selfisolation related fffs also low behavioural inhibition system related anxiety scores older people reported less likely selfisolate results suggest psychological conflict urge stay safe ffffrelated desire maintain normal pleasurable life rrrelated ways ameliorating conflict may include maladaptive behaviours panic buying reflecting rewardrelated displacement activity