Understanding psychosocial determinants of adherence to physical distancing guidance during the COVID-19 pandemic

Physical distancing is one of the best strategies that we have to slow the spread of COVID-19. However, keeping our distance from others is perhaps the most difficult and even unnatural behaviour that we must adopt. Understanding the complex factors involved in determining whether someone will or will not adhere to physical distancing guidelines, and addressing those factors in evidence-based, fully transparent, and fact-based public health campaigns, is therefore of critical importance. This seminar provides an overview of a Health Research Board and Irish Research Council-funded project, which aims to provide high-quality accelerated evidence on the barriers and facilitators of physical distancing to support COVID-19 policy strategy and communication in the Republic of Ireland.