Perceived Risk and Precautions during a Pandemic Outbreak

During a pandemic, the behaviour of the general population determines the spread of the contagion, the load on medical services, and the ultimate societal impact of a disease. How individual members of the population understand the risk scenario determines their response to a pandemic, which precautions they take, and the social dynamics they engage in. Social and behavioural science is needed to respond optimally to the COVID-19 pandemic. The current project will measure, track and predict the impact of risk perception and communication on (i) individual decisions and behaviour, (ii) motivation and compliance with public advice, (iii) and social dynamics during a pandemic outbreak. PANDRISK will be among the first projects which transfer knowledge to the specific applied topic of human behaviour during a pandemic outbreak. To achieve this, the project will perform the following work-packages: WP1: Survey of psychological variables related to pandemic's early phases already collected WP2: Four longitudinal surveys following up WP1 WP3: Develop and apply smartphone app for tracking pandemic's relation to mental health, movement and social interaction WP4: Various extensions and generalizations of WP2, among them a US sample (New York) for comparison WP5: Project management and communication with stakeholders The transdisciplinary research team includes expertise in cognitive, biological and social psychology, behavioural aspects of safety, medical psychology with psychophysiological measurements, mental health consequences of long-term trauma, public health policy and communication among the general public. The research team is complemented by Scientific advisory board made up of relevant public, private and civil society service providers.