Does temporal stability moderate reasoned action approach relations with Covid-19 preventive behaviours?

Background. Preventive behaviours continue to play an important role in reducing the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Purpose. To apply the reasoned action approach (RAA) to predict Covid-19 preventive intentions and behaviour and to test whether temporal stability moderates relations between RAA constructs and behaviour. Methods. A representative sample of UK adults (N = 603) completed measures of RAA variables (i.e., experiential attitudes, instrumental attitudes, injunctive norms, capacity, autonomy and intention) in relation to six Covid-19 preventive behaviours (i.e., wearing face coverings, social distancing, hand sanitising, avoiding the three Cs, cleaning surfaces, and coughing/sneezing etiquette) at baseline (December 2020) and after one month. Self-reported behaviour was assessed at baseline and after one and two months. Results. The RAA was predictive of Covid-19 preventive intentions at time 1 and time 2; instrumental attitudes, descriptive norms and capability were the strongest predictors at each time point. The RAA also predicted subsequent behaviour across time points with intention, descriptive norms and capability the strongest/most consistent predictors. Temporal stability moderated a number of RAA-behaviour relationships including those for intention, descriptive norms and capability. In each case, the relationships became stronger as temporal stability increased. Conclusions. Health cognitions as outlined in the RAA provide appropriate targets for interventions to promote Covid-19 preventive intentions and behaviour. Moreover, given that continued performance of Covid-19 preventive behaviours is crucial for reducing transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the results highlight the need for consistent messaging from governments and public health organisations to promote positive intentions and maintain preventive behaviour.