Longitudinal study on behavioral, psychological, socio-economic effects induced by the exposure to CoViD-19, by government measures, and by communication strategies in three countries: Italy, Spain, and United Kingdom

Abstract

We will conduct a longitudinal study (with four waves) in three countries to measure short run and long run behavioral change induced by the exposure to CoViD19 and response to government strategy and communication. The study includes a baseline, two interventions, and a follow up. In week two and three, we will conduct experiments using priming to test: (a) if trauma and shock induce changes in preferences and cognitive performance; (b) if differences in terms of epistemic uncertainty, non value consensus, and conflict of interests affect approval of different communications strategies by the government (expert based, deliberative, and negotiation). In week four, we assess approval of contested claims that (1) the economic costs has not been taken into consideration, (2) the communication by authorities is too paternalistic, controlling for social desirability bias. Health and economic consequences will be monitored across the four waves