Evaluation of Motivational Model for Predict Adherence to the Measures in the Covid-19 Pandemic

The purpose of present study was to evaluate the motivational model for predicting adherence to the measures in the Covid-19 pandemic.

In a descriptive-correlational design, 306 people (204 females, 102 males) from the community sample older than 18 years were selected by convenience sampling method. Data were collected with Adherence to governmental measures survey, Basic Psychological Need Satisfaction and Frustration Scale, Feelings of uncertainty and threat scale, Motivation to adhere to governmental measures scale, and Kessler Psychological Distress Scale. Data were analyzed with structural equation modeling based on the partial least squares approach.

Results showed that motivation has a mediating role in relation to needs satisfaction with distress, feelings of uncertainty and threat and adherence to governmental measures. Psychological distress and feelings of uncertainty and threat also played a negative mediating role in the needs frustration and adherence to governmental measures. Other results showed that psychological needs, motivation, distress, and feelings of uncertainty and threat explain 33% of the adherence to governmental measures variance.

It seems that the adherence to governmental measures in the Covid-19 pandemic is influenced by motivational and emotional factors. Accordingly, giving the opportunity to participate in related decisions and provide feedback systems seems to be effective in complying with adherence to governmental measures in order to increase the autonomy and competence and reduce stress.