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The effect of messaging and gender on intentions to wear a face covering to slow down COVID-19 transmission

Author

Listed:
  • Valerio Capraro

    (Middlesex University London, UK)

  • Hélène Barcelo

    (Mathematical Science Research Institute, Berkeley, USA)

Abstract

We report on a pre-registered experiment (N=2,459) testing the effect of messages highlighting that the coronavirus is a threat to "you" vs "your family" vs "your community" vs "your country" on self-reported intentions to wear a face covering. We find that focusing on "your community" promotes intentions to wear a face covering relative to the baseline. We also find that men less than women intend to wear a face covering, but this difference almost disappears in counties where wearing a face covering is mandatory. Finally, we find that men less than women believe they will be seriously affected by the coronavirus, and more than women agree that wearing a face covering is shameful, not cool, a sign of weakness, and a stigma; and these gender differences partly mediate gender differences in intentions to wear a face covering.

Suggested Citation

  • Valerio Capraro & Hélène Barcelo, 2020. "The effect of messaging and gender on intentions to wear a face covering to slow down COVID-19 transmission," Journal of Behavioral Economics for Policy, Society for the Advancement of Behavioral Economics (SABE), vol. 4(S2), pages 45-55, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:beh:jbepv1:v:4:y:2020:i:s2:p:45-55
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    JEL classification:

    • H75 - Public Economics - - State and Local Government; Intergovernmental Relations - - - State and Local Government: Health, Education, and Welfare
    • I31 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - General Welfare, Well-Being
    • O43 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity - - - Institutions and Growth

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