![]() ![]() ![]() The Impact of Boredom on Goal-Directed Behaviorįor trait boredom to threaten the effectiveness of social distancing efforts, these measures would have to create conditions that are conducive to boredom. Thus, it is conceivable that trait differences in boredom and self-control covary with difficulties to follow social distancing guidelines, as well as with adherence to these guidelines.ġ.1. Importantly, individual differences on the trait level are expected to affect the strength of these signals. Recent theorizing has linked both constructs, suggesting that experiences accompanying boredom and self-control subserve critical functions in orienting goal-directed behavior, namely to switch activity or to withdraw effort, respectively. Here, we focus on boredom-a correlate of social distancing-and self-control, a powerful psychological correlate of adaptive behavior. To better understand for whom social distancing poses a challenge, it is necessary to analyze the role of individual differences as well as underlying mechanisms. Unfortunately, these difficulties likely reduce adherence to social distancing measures and thereby undermine their effectiveness in slowing the spread of COVID-19. This suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic containment measures can take a substantial toll on individuals, making it likely that they find it difficult to comply with them. Recent research confirmed this negative psychological impact and identified lack of freedom, boredom, lack of fresh air, and lack of exercise as the most common negative experiences associated with home confinement. It requires people to cope with reduced social and physical contact and confronts them with the loss of freedom and familiar routines. However, social distancing comes with severe psychological costs that make adherence difficult. On the surface, adhering to social distancing merely requires staying at home. Thus, individual adherence is crucially important to contain the spread of COVID-19. The effectiveness of these measures relies largely on the compliance of the population. Governments therefore urge people to reduce unnecessary travel, avoid private gatherings, and employ social distancing. Crucially, these actions must be accompanied by measures on the individual level. Government actions like the canceling of mass events or home confinement periods are important for protecting the public health system from being overwhelmed by a rapid rise in COVID-19 cases. Mathematical modeling of the COVID-19 transmission illustrates that measures such as self-isolation of people with mild COVID-19, quarantine of those exposed, and social distancing guidelines for the general public are effective in slowing the spread of COVID-19. To mitigate the impact of COVID-19, governments around the world have adopted non-pharmacological pandemic containment measures. As of April 11th, there were over 1,700,000 confirmed cases worldwide and over 500,000 confirmed cases in the United States, making the US the current epicenter of the pandemic. Within three months, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) had developed into a pandemic. In December 2019, a new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) was discovered. Our results are immediately relevant to improve the efficacy of social distancing guidelines in the COVID-19 response. In contrast, individuals high in self-control adhered more to the guidelines without perceiving them as more or less difficult however, self-control moderated the effect of difficulty on adherence. Specifically, individuals high in boredom perceived social distancing as more difficult, which in turn reduced their adherence (i.e., a mediated effect). The results showed that both traits were important predictors of adherence but the underlying mechanisms differed. In a high-powered study ( N = 895), we tested direct and indirect effects of boredom and self-control on adherence. Here, we investigate sources of individual variation in adhering to social distancing guidelines. However, its effectiveness hinges on adherence by individuals who face substantial burdens from the required behavioral restrictions. Social distancing during the coronavirus-disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is crucial to reduce the spread of the virus. ![]()
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