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A simple message and two framings to enhance protective behaviours adoption in a pandemic

Author

Listed:
  • Beatrice Braut

    (University of Turin
    University of Genoa)

  • Matteo Migheli

    (University of Turin)

Abstract

The paper tests the effect of a simple message and its framing on personal protective behaviours, using a survey experiment during the first Italian lockdown. Findings reveal that, for washing hands and using a face cover, intentions to comply are higher with the message and do not differ by message type. For physical distance, there is no difference due to the introduction of any message. Compliance is higher for females and increases with age. Looking at males separately a treatment effect exists: the negatively framed message is more effective. In a follow-up survey, a selected subsample of subjects reports their actual engagement. The gap is the largest relative to physical distance. To be useful a message has to be timing and can just remind a simple point. The content and the frame of the message have limited importance.

Suggested Citation

  • Beatrice Braut & Matteo Migheli, 2025. "A simple message and two framings to enhance protective behaviours adoption in a pandemic," International Review of Economics, Springer;Happiness Economics and Interpersonal Relations (HEIRS), vol. 72(1), pages 1-29, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:inrvec:v:72:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1007_s12232-024-00482-7
    DOI: 10.1007/s12232-024-00482-7
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    COVID-19; Hand washing; Face cover; Distance; Framing; Survey experiment;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C83 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Data Collection and Data Estimation Methodology; Computer Programs - - - Survey Methods; Sampling Methods
    • D83 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness
    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health

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