National identity predicts public health support during a global pandemic

Van Bavel, Jay J., Cichocka, Aleksandra, Capraro, Valerio, Sjåstad, Hallgeir, Nezlek, John B., Pavlović, Tomislav, Alfano, Mark, Gelfand, Michele J., Azevedo, Flavio, Birtel, Michèle D., and others. (2022) National identity predicts public health support during a global pandemic. Nature Communications, 13 (1). Article Number 517. ISSN 2041-1723. (doi:10.1038/s41467-021-27668-9) (KAR id:93784)

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Official URL: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-27668-9

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Resource title:	National identity predicts public health support during a global pandemic
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External URL:	https://osf.io/y7ckt/

Abstract

Changing collective behaviour and supporting non-pharmaceutical interventions is an important component in mitigating virus transmission during a pandemic. In a large international collaboration (Study 1, N = 49,968 across 67 countries), we investigated selfreported factors associated with public health behaviours (e.g., spatial distancing and stricter hygiene) and endorsed public policy interventions (e.g., closing bars and restaurants) during the early stage of the COVID-19 pandemic (April-May 2020). Respondents who reported identifying more strongly with their nation consistently reported greater engagement in public health behaviours and support for public health policies. Results were similar for representative and non-representative national samples. Study 2 (N = 42 countries) conceptually replicated the central finding using aggregate indices of national identity (obtained using the World Values Survey) and a measure of actual behaviour change during the pandemic (obtained from Google mobility reports). Higher levels of national identification prior to the pandemic predicted lower mobility during the early stage of the pandemic (r = −0.40). We discuss the potential implications of links between national identity, leadership, and public health for managing COVID-19 and future pandemics.

Item Type:	Article
DOI/Identification number:	10.1038/s41467-021-27668-9
Uncontrolled keywords:	COVID-19, national identity, public health, pandemic, cross-cultural
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Institutional Unit:	Schools > School of Psychology > Psychology
Former Institutional Unit:	Divisions > Division of Human and Social Sciences > School of Psychology
Depositing User:	Aleksandra Cichocka
Date Deposited:	30 Mar 2022 15:33 UTC
Last Modified:	22 Jul 2025 09:09 UTC
Resource URI:	https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/93784 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

Cichocka, Aleksandra.

Creator's ORCID:	https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1703-1586
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