This longitudinal study aimed to predict personal protective behaviors such as hand washing, wearing masks, and social distancing in relation to COVID-19. It was based on the "Protection Motivation Theory (PMT)" which states that people's motivation to protect themselves depends on their cognitive appraisal of the threat and their perceived ability to cope with it.
In the first phase of the study (November 2020), the key components of the PMT as well as the intention to protect oneself were assessed in a representative sample of adults from Germany. One month later, the second phase of the study followed, in which the frequency of protective behavior was measured. Statistical methods were used to examine the extent to which experienced threat and coping predict intention and protective behavior.
The researchers conclude that it is important to break down barriers and to strengthen self-efficacy to encourage individuals‘ protective behaviors during a pandemic.