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Beyond self-reports: Exploring the disconnect between subjective behavioural correlates, self-reported adherence, and objective behaviour using network analysis

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: There is often a discrepancy between people's intentions to engage in protective behaviours and their objective actions, known as the intention-behaviour gap. This study investigated the relationships between behavioural correlates (attitudes, habits, beliefs, norms, intentions, risk-perception, worries, and perceived health) and self-reported behaviour in predicting objectively determined behaviour, using physical distancing during COVID-19 as a case study. Data were collected from 565 visitors of a Dutch art fair in August 2020, including pre-event questionnaires, objectively determined behaviour during the event, and post-event self-reports. Regression and Gaussian Graphical Model analyses revealed that self-reports were poor predictors of objectively determined behaviour. Among behavioural correlates, only perceived health showed a weak association with objective behaviour. These results demonstrate a marked disconnect between intentions, self-reports, and actual behaviour, underscoring the necessity of incorporating objective measures in public health policy design and evaluation.

Source: Journal of Health Psychology

DOI: 10.1177/13591053261452202

Authors: Flora K. Parragi, Gigi C. W. P. Vissers, Charlotte C. Tanis, Tessa F. Blanken

Institutions: University of Amsterdam, Erasmus University Rotterdam

Language: English

Topic: Behavioral Health and Interventions

Subfield: Applied Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,650