The interplay between social connection and compliance with COVID-19 preventive measures

The COVID-19 pandemic required substantive preventive measures to stop the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. As the effectiveness of these measures highly depended on public adherence, understanding the determinants of compliance with preventive measures is crucial. While some influencing factors have been identified already, the role of social connection is not fully understood. Interestingly, social connection might be reciprocally affected by compliance with preventive measures in a way that poses a trade-off between social connection and compliance. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to evaluate the bidirectional relationship between social connection and compliance with preventive measures. This was done using longitudinal data from six waves (April 2020-March 2021) of the Belgian online COVID-19 Health Surveys, of a cohort of 11 974 adults. Random-intercept cross-lagged panel modelling was used to test whether social connection positively predicted subsequent compliance, and whether compliance negatively predicted subsequent social connection. Social support and social satisfaction served as social connection indicators. Compliance was modelled per separate preventive measure. The results showed that social support and social satisfaction were positively associated with subsequent compliance with several measures. Some effects were particularly pronounced in the most stringent waves. In the other direction, compliance with social restriction negatively predicted subsequent social satisfaction. Through its relation with compliance, social connection can be relevant for tackling public health crises that require public response. Vice versa, our results stress social connection as an area of concern in such crises. Thus, sustainably fostering social connection could benefit future pandemic preparedness.