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Open Access 18-04-2024 | COVID-19 | Original Article

The relationship between benevolence and attitudes towards preventive behaviour during the COVID-19 pandemic in Sweden

Authors: Louise Åberg, Walter Osika, Gustav Kollberg, Stefan Einhorn

Abstract

Aim

The COVID–19 pandemic initially required sustainable behavioural changes to mitigate the spread of the infection. Thus, people were requested to comply with the recommendations given by the authorities. However, adherence to the recommendations varied considerably. Therefore, it is important to understand the driving forces behind such behavioural change. This study aims to investigate how people’s willingness to comply with preventive behaviour, including vaccination, during a pandemic is related to the prosocial emotion of benevolence, the inclination to do well.

Subject and methods

An online cross-sectional study was performed (N = 1014).

Result

The result showed a significant correlation for the whole study population between how well they followed the recommendations (M = 4.16, S = 0.92) and the levels of benevolence (M = 3.58, S = 0.74) r = 0.22, p = < 0.001.

Conclusion

Further, there was a significant correlation between altruistic motives and compliance with recommendations, including the view on taking the vaccine. Our findings add to the concept that prosocial orientation during the COVID-19 pandemic increases compliance with preventive behaviour.

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Title: The relationship between benevolence and attitudes towards preventive behaviour during the COVID-19 pandemic in Sweden
Authors: Louise Åberg
Walter Osika
Gustav Kollberg
Stefan Einhorn
Publication date: 18-04-2024
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: COVID-19
Vaccination
Published in: Journal of Public Health
Print ISSN: 2198-1833
Electronic ISSN: 1613-2238
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10389-024-02257-4

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

The relationship between benevolence and attitudes towards preventive behaviour during the COVID-19 pandemic in Sweden

Abstract

Aim

Subject and methods

Result

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Aim

Subject and methods

Result

Conclusion

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