Modeling Individual Defiance of COVID-19 Pandemic Mitigation Strategies: Insights From the Expanded Model of Deterrence and Protection Motivation Theory

The governmental responses to the COVID-19 pandemic include concerns for both public health and formal social control. Government leaders asked help mitigate spread of virus by adopting various protective behaviors. Our purpose was evaluate explain defiance mitigation strategies, drawing from expanded model deterrence protection motivation theory. A national sample 600 American adults were surveyed about perceptions of, behaviors during, early part pandemic, including strategies. Perceived severity disease, certainty dying it, how much control one has over getting it each predicted fear COVID-19. Defiance guidelines appear be a combination rational choice considerations emotions. officials should consider evaluates messages taking actions maximize compliance.