Delay discounting and under-valuing of recent information predict poorer adherence to social distancing measures during the COVID-19 pandemic

AbstractThe COVID-19 pandemic has brought about unprecedented global changes in individual and collective behaviour. To reduce the spread of the virus, public health bodies have promoted social distancing measures while attempting to mitigate their mental health consequences. The current study aimed to identify cognitive predictors of social distancing adherence and mental health symptoms, using computational models derived from delay discounting (the preference for smaller, immediate rewards over larger, delayed rewards) and patch foraging (the ability to trade-off between exploiting a known resource and exploring an unknown one). In a representative sample of the UK population (N = 442), we find that steeper delay discounting predicted poorer adherence to social distancing measures and greater sensitivity to reward magnitude during delay discounting predicted higher levels of anxiety symptoms. Furthermore, under-valuing recently sampled information during foraging independently predicted greater violation of lockdown guidance. Our results suggest that those who show greater discounting of delayed rewards struggle to maintain social distancing. Further, those who adapt faster to new information are better equipped to change their behaviour in response to public health measures. These findings can inform interventions that seek to increase compliance with social distancing measures whilst minimising negative repercussions for mental health.

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Delay discounting and under-valuing of recent information predict lower adherence to social distancing measures during the COVID-19 pandemic

10.31234/osf.io/kvynr ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Alex Lloyd ◽

Ryan McKay ◽

Todd K. Hartman ◽

Benjamin Thomas Vincent ◽

Jamie Murphy ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Delay Discounting ◽

Cognitive Mechanisms ◽

Social Distancing ◽

Recent Information ◽

Cognitive Predictors ◽

New Information ◽

Health Initiatives ◽

Nationally Representative ◽

Lower Adherence

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to unprecedented changes in the day-to-day behaviours of populations globally, especially in areas where social distancing rules have been mandated. Understanding the cognitive mechanisms underlying (un)successful behaviour change around social distancing is crucial to inform public health policy for both the current and future crises.In this study, we utilise tasks probing delay discounting (the preference for immediate versus delayed rewards) and patch foraging (evaluating the trade-off between exploiting a known resource and exploring an unknown one) to investigate cognitive predictors of social distancing and mental health symptoms. Participants (N=442) were recruited from a large UK cohort (N=2025) nationally representative in age, gender and income.Greater sensitivity to reward magnitude during delay discounting predicted lower adherence to social distancing measures and higher levels of mood and anxiety symptoms. In addition, under-valuing recently sampled information during foraging separately predicted greater violation of social distancing. Analyses examining cognitive factors underpinning social distancing behaviour across two time points (early and late phases of the pandemic) additionally revealed that greater sensitivity to magnitude of rewards on offer during delay discounting predicted a greater decline in psychological inclination to maintain social distancing. Moreover, under-valuing recent information during foraging separately predicted less motivation to engage in social distancing during the established phase of the pandemic. The findings suggest that those who typically regulate their mood through behaviours that bring about immediate reward are also those who struggle to maintain social distancing. Further, those who adapt more quickly to new information showed better ability to change their behaviour in response to public health measures. These findings highlight the need for public health initiatives that bolster sustained confidence in planning around social distancing by emphasising the immediate rewards to self as well as longer term benefits.

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Emotional and Mental Wellbeing Following COVID-19 Public Health Measures on People Living With Dementia and Carers

Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry and Neurology ◽

10.1177/0891988721996816 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 089198872199681

Author(s):

Kerry Hanna ◽

Clarissa Giebel ◽

Hilary Tetlow ◽

Kym Ward ◽

Justine Shenton ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Mental Health ◽

Social Support ◽

Support Services ◽

Mental Wellbeing ◽

Daily Lives ◽

Health Measures ◽

Social Support Services ◽

The Uk ◽

The Impact

Background: To date, there appears to be no evidence on the longer-term impacts caused by COVID-19 and its related public health restrictions on some of the most vulnerable in our societies. The aim of this research was to explore the change in impact of COVID-19 public health measures on the mental wellbeing of people living with dementia (PLWD) and unpaid carers. Method: Semi-structured, follow-up telephone interviews were conducted with PLWD and unpaid carers between June and July 2020. Participants were asked about their experiences of accessing social support services during the pandemic, and the impact of restrictions on their daily lives. Results: 20 interviews were conducted and thematically analyzed, which produced 3 primary themes concerning emotional responses and impact to mental health and wellbeing during the course of the pandemic: 1) Impact on mental health during lockdown, 2) Changes to mental health following easing of public health, and 3) The long-term effect of public health measures. Conclusions: The findings from this research shed light on the longer-term psychological impacts of the UK Government’s public health measures on PLWD and their carers. The loss of social support services was key in impacting this cohort mentally and emotionally, displaying a need for better psychological support, for both carers and PLWD.

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It runs in the family: parental influence on adolescents’ compliance with social distancing measures during Covid-19 lockdowns

10.31235/osf.io/y7wc6 ◽

2022 ◽

Author(s):

Ozan Aksoy

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Structural Equation ◽

Parental Influence ◽

Health Policies ◽

Public Health Policies ◽

Social Distancing ◽

Health Measures ◽

The Family ◽

Nationally Representative ◽

The Uk

Compliance with public health measures of adolescents who are often unfairly portrayed as spreaders of the Coronavirus is essential for controlling the pandemic. But does adolescents’ compliance develop independently from their parents? Using nationally representative longitudinal data and cross-lagged Structural Equation Panel Models I study compliance with social distancing measures of 6,754 triplets that comprise the adolescent child (age 19), their mother, and father during two national lockdowns in the UK. Results show that adolescents have the lowest and their mothers have the highest levels of compliance, and compliance generally drops over time. Moreover, parents, particularly mothers have significant influence on their adolescent child’s compliance. The child also has, albeit smaller effects on their parents’ compliance. Parental influence on adolescents’ compliance documented here thus redistributes some of the responsibility off adolescents towards all generations and calls for public health policies and campaigns that consider these family dynamics.

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Gender and trust in government modify the association between mental health and stringency of social distancing related public health measures to reduce COVID-19: a global online survey

10.1101/2020.07.16.20155200 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Lily O'Hara ◽

Hanan F Abdul Rahim ◽

Zumin Shi

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Mental Health ◽

Health Outcomes ◽

Online Survey ◽

Mental Health Outcomes ◽

Trust In Government ◽

Social Distancing ◽

Health Measures ◽

The Government ◽

And Gender

Objectives: To investigate the associations between stringency of COVID-19 social distancing policies and mental health outcomes, and the moderating effect of trust in government and gender. Design and setting: Cross sectional study involving secondary analysis of publicly available data from a global online COVID-19 survey and the Oxford COVID-19 Government Response Tracker. Participants: 106,497 participants from 58 countries. Main outcome measures: Outcomes were a worries index and a depression index. Predictors were stringency of policies, trust in government, and gender. Multivariable regression was conducted to determine the three-way interaction between the predictor variables for mental health outcomes, adjusting for age, income and education. Results: The median age of participants (56.4% women) was 37 years (interquartile range 29 to 48 years). Women had higher worries and depression scores than men. 45.4% distrusted the government and 43.8% trusted the government to take care of its citizens. Among those who strongly trusted the government, an increase in the stringency of policies was associated with a significant increase in the worries index. Among men who distrusted the government, an increase in policy stringency was associated with an increase in the depression index but not the worries index. In women that strongly distrusted the government, there was an inversed U-shaped association between policy stringency and both the worries and depression indices. Conclusion: As the stringency of public health measures increases, so too do depression and worries. The association is moderated by gender and trust in government. For safe and effective public health measures, governments should develop strategies to increase trust in their actions.

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The potential dangers of not understanding COVID-19 public health restrictions in dementia: “It’s a groundhog day – every single day she does not understand why she can’t go out for a walk”

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-021-10815-8 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Clarissa Giebel ◽

Kerry Hanna ◽

Manoj Rajagopal ◽

Aravind Komuravelli ◽

Jacqueline Cannon ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Cognitive Deficits ◽

Third Sector ◽

Cognitive Capacity ◽

The Public ◽

Health Measures ◽

Third Sector Organisations ◽

The Uk ◽

Second Wave

Abstract Background Sudden public health restrictions can be difficult to comprehend for people with cognitive deficits. However, these are even more important for them to adhere to due to their increased levels of vulnerability, particularly to COVID-19. With a lack of previous evidence, we explored the understanding and changes in adherence to COVID-19 public health restrictions over time in people living with dementia (PLWD). Methods Unpaid carers and PLWD were interviewed over the phone in April 2020, shortly after the nationwide UK lockdown, with a proportion followed up from 24th June to 10th July. Participants were recruited via social care and third sector organisations across the UK, and via social media. Findings A total of 70 interviews (50 baseline, 20 follow-up) were completed with unpaid carers and PLWD. Five themes emerged: Confusion and limited comprehension; Frustration and burden; Putting oneself in danger; Adherence to restrictions in wider society; (Un) changed perceptions. Most carers reported limited to no understanding of the public health measures in PLWD, causing distress and frustration for both the carer and the PLWD. Due to the lack of understanding, some PLWD put themselves in dangerous situations without adhering to the restrictions. PLWD with cognitive capacity who participated understood the measures and adhered to these. Discussion In light of the new second wave of the pandemic, public health measures need to be simpler for PLWD to avoid unwilful non-adherence. Society also needs to be more adaptive to the needs of people with cognitive disabilities more widely, as blanket rules cause distress to the lives of those affected by dementia.

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Harnessing testing strategies and public health measures to avert COVID-19 outbreaks during ocean cruises

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-95032-4 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Gerardo Chowell ◽

Sushma Dahal ◽

Raquel Bono ◽

Kenji Mizumoto

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Contact Network ◽

Social Distancing ◽

Individual Level ◽

Health Measures ◽

Testing Strategies ◽

Novel Coronavirus ◽

The Individual ◽

The Impact

AbstractTo ensure the safe operation of schools, workplaces, nursing homes, and other businesses during COVID-19 pandemic there is an urgent need to develop cost-effective public health strategies. Here we focus on the cruise industry which was hit early by the COVID-19 pandemic, with more than 40 cruise ships reporting COVID-19 infections. We apply mathematical modeling to assess the impact of testing strategies together with social distancing protocols on the spread of the novel coronavirus during ocean cruises using an individual-level stochastic model of the transmission dynamics of COVID-19. We model the contact network, the potential importation of cases arising during shore excursions, the temporal course of infectivity at the individual level, the effects of social distancing strategies, different testing scenarios characterized by the test’s sensitivity profile, and testing frequency. Our findings indicate that PCR testing at embarkation and daily testing of all individuals aboard, together with increased social distancing and other public health measures, should allow for rapid detection and isolation of COVID-19 infections and dramatically reducing the probability of onboard COVID-19 community spread. In contrast, relying only on PCR testing at embarkation would not be sufficient to avert outbreaks, even when implementing substantial levels of social distancing measures.

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Counter-radicalization, public health, and racism: A case analysis of Prevent

Terrorism, Violent Radicalisation, and Mental Health ◽

10.1093/med/9780198845706.003.0014 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 203-216

Author(s):

Tarek Younis

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Mental Health ◽

Mental Health Professionals ◽

Far Right ◽

Public Consciousness ◽

Key Issues ◽

Colour Blindness ◽

The Government ◽

The Uk ◽

Psychological Risk

The threat of terrorism is well documented to be associated with Muslims and Islam in British public consciousness. This chapter will emphasize the sociopolitical context underlying public health strategies seeking to address radicalization and extremism, especially given the UK government’s recent pivoting of its ‘Prevent’ policy within mental health services. Drawing upon two years of empirical fieldwork exploring the impact of the Prevent duty in the National Health Service, this chapter will outline several key issues with counter-radicalization policies enacted within health settings. Firstly, I found that mental health professionals—especially Muslims—self-censored their critical thoughts of Prevent, largely as a result of the political and moral subscript underlying counterterrorism: the ‘good’ position was to accept their counterterrorism duty, and the ‘bad’ position was to reject it. Secondly, Prevent significantly emphasizes reliance on ‘trusting one’s gut’ given the elusive framework of psychological risk factors it outlines during training. In turn, the government engages in what I call performative colour blindness: the active recognition and erasure of a common sense that associates racialized Muslims with the threat of terrorism. Colour blindness, however, is known to be integral for the maintenance of institutionally racist practices in contemporary times. This chapter ends by highlighting two understated issues of racism in contemporary public health approaches to counter-radicalization: the reinvigorated impulse to ‘tackle’ the far-right and the question of coercion and accountability.

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Situating ‘careful surveillance’

International Journal of Cultural Studies ◽

10.1177/1367877921997450 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 136787792199745

Author(s):

Mark Andrejevic ◽

Hugh Davies ◽

Ruth DeSouza ◽

Larissa Hjorth ◽

Ingrid Richardson

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Public Space ◽

Social Care ◽

Cultural Practices ◽

Contact Tracing ◽

Social Distancing ◽

Health Measures ◽

Relationship Of ◽

The Impact ◽

The Relationship

In this article we explore preliminary findings from the study COVIDSafe and Beyond: Perceptions and Practices conducted in Australia in 2020. The study involved a survey followed by interviews, and aimed to capture the dynamic ways in which members of the Australian public perceive the impact of Covid practices – especially public health measures like the introduction of physical and social distancing, compulsory mask wearing, and contact tracing. In the rescripting of public space, different notions of formal and informal surveillance, along with different textures of mediated and social care, appeared. In this article, we explore perceptions around divergent forms of surveillance across social, technological, governmental modes, and the relationship of surveillance to care in our media and cultural practices. What does it mean to care for self and others during a pandemic? How does care get enacted in, and through, media interfaces and public interaction?

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