The limitations of polling data in understanding public support for COVID-19 lockdown policies

Foad, Colin; Whitmarsh, Lorraine; Hanel, Paul H. P.; Haddock, Geoffrey

doi:10.1098/rsos.210678

Cited by 18 publications

(20 citation statements)

References 29 publications

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“…27 While messaging may encourage people to engage in less risky social mixing, our evidence and that from elsewhere suggests that the biggest driver of mixing behaviour is the restrictions in place at the time. [28][29][30] If they are needed again, obtaining large reductions in mixing as a result of communication alone may prove challenging.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

How have patterns of social mixing changed during the pandemic? A series of cross-sectional nationally representative surveys

Smith¹,

Potts²,

Amlôt³

et al. 2022

Preprint

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Social mixing contributes to the transmission of SARS-CoV-2. We developed a composite measure for risky social mixing, investigating changes during the pandemic and factors associated with risky mixing. Twenty-eight waves of online nationally representative cross-sectional surveys were used (n=47,933 responses; 14 September 2020 to 10 August 2021). We investigated socio-demographic, contextual and psychological factors associated with engaging in highest risk social mixing at six timepoints. Patterns of social mixing varied over time, broadly in line with changes in restrictions. Engaging in highest risk social mixing was associated with being younger, less worried about COVID-19, perceiving a lower risk of COVID-19, perceiving COVID-19 to be a less severe illness, thinking the risks of COVID-19 were being exaggerated, not agreeing that one’s personal behaviour had an impact on how COVID-19 spreads, and not agreeing that information from the Government about COVID-19 can be trusted. Our composite measure for risky social mixing varied in line with restrictions in place at the time of data collection, providing some validation of the measure. While messages targeting psychological factors may reduce higher risk social mixing, achieving a large change in risky social mixing in a short space of time may necessitate a reimposition of restrictions.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

How have patterns of social mixing changed during the pandemic? A series of cross-sectional nationally representative surveys

Smith¹,

Potts²,

Amlôt³

et al. 2022

Preprint

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…It became apparent that the GHG reductions resulting from the pandemic only marginally contribute to climate targets (Meles et al, 2020 ). These positive effects on the climate went along with massive costs for welfare and the economy (Elliott et al, 2020 ; Foad et al, 2021 ). We may only speculate how individual and societal efficacy transfer processes from COVID-19 have been continuing beyond the timeframe of our fieldwork.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Has the COVID-19 pandemic strengthened confidence in managing the climate crisis? Transfer of efficacy beliefs after experiencing lockdowns in Switzerland and Austria

Moser

Seebauer

2022

Front. Psychol.

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In the spring of 2020, countries introduced lockdowns as radical measures to deal with the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to strong disruptions of people's everyday lives. Such drastic collective measures had previously seemed inconceivable in relation to other urgent crises, such as the climate crisis. In this paper, we ask how individual, participatory, and collective efficacy beliefs in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic transferred to efficacy beliefs regarding the climate crisis. We present comparative results from two surveys: Study 1 assesses efficacy beliefs among German-speaking Swiss residents (n = 1,016), shortly after lockdown measures were relaxed. Study 2 compares changes in efficacy beliefs among Austrian high school students (n = 113) before and after the lockdown. In Study 1, climate-related self- and participatory efficacy are enhanced by the corresponding COVID-19-related beliefs. Climate-related efficacy beliefs mediate the effect of COVID-related counterparts on climate-friendly behavior and policy support. Study 2 shows that COVID-19-related efficacy beliefs are transferred to climate-related counterparts over time, and that the transfer of participatory efficacy is moderated by perceived similarity of the two crises. Experiencing successful individual and collective action during the COVID-19 pandemic seems to inspire confidence in dealing with climate change. Underlying processes (direct transfer, consistency, awareness-raising, learning) are discussed.

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“…The triangulation of data is a further strength which enhanced understanding of qualitative survey data and subsequently, overall awareness, attitudes and actions. Furthermore, this study addresses the limitation identified in previous research about only using polling data to understand public opinions regarding lockdown policies [ 33 ]. Study limitations are also noted and discussed in previous publications [ 4 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Exploring the awareness, attitudes, and actions (AAA) of UK adults at high risk of severe illness from COVID-19

et al. 2021

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Background People at high risk of severe illness from COVID-19 have experienced greater restrictions during the pandemic, yet there is a paucity of research exploring their lived experience. Objectives This study explored the impact of COVID-19 on people identified as at high risk of severe illness by UK Government, and in particular, the impact of the first lockdown on access to healthcare, medications and use of technological platforms. Methods 1038 UK adults who identified as at high risk of severe illness from COVID-19 in line with UK Government guidance or self-identified with acute or other chronic health conditions, completed the Awareness, Attitudes and Actions survey which explored the impact of COVID-19 on access to healthcare, management of long-term health condition, mental health, and health behaviours. Results Most participants reported feelings of vulnerability, anxiety and isolation, noticed that other people changed their behaviour towards them including a feeling of being stigmatised by people not categorised as high risk. Participants described the largely negative impact that the COVID-19 lockdown had on to health-related behaviours and access to healthcare, which had resulted in large declines in mental health and wellbeing. Participants also indicated disappointment at the UK Governments response and handling of the COVID-19 lockdown. Implications This study provides novel evidence of the lived experience of the first COVID-19 lockdown for people identified as at high risk of severe illness. In the context of behavioural health interventions, the ubiquity of digital technologies and their adoption into day-to-day life translates into greater potential reach than traditional interventions, and consequently, greater potential for positive public health impact. Findings should be considered by policymakers and healthcare professionals to support people now and as we transition through the recovery phase with a particular emphasis on supporting mental health and changes to the management of long-term health conditions.

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The limitations of polling data in understanding public support for COVID-19 lockdown policies

Cited by 18 publications

References 29 publications

How have patterns of social mixing changed during the pandemic? A series of cross-sectional nationally representative surveys

How have patterns of social mixing changed during the pandemic? A series of cross-sectional nationally representative surveys

Has the COVID-19 pandemic strengthened confidence in managing the climate crisis? Transfer of efficacy beliefs after experiencing lockdowns in Switzerland and Austria

Exploring the awareness, attitudes, and actions (AAA) of UK adults at high risk of severe illness from COVID-19

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