Study shows the traits that Covid rule breakers share

Many Aussies have been disgusted at the crowds attending lockdown protests but new research explains why some can’t bear to follow Covid rules.

New research has identified the characteristics of people who are less likely to follow Covid-19 rules as being mostly male and less considerate than others.

A University of Sydney study found about 10 per cent of people surveyed in Australia, United States, United Kingdom and Canada did not appear to be following social distancing rules and had a non-compliant attitude.

They were mostly male, less agreeable (cooperative, considerate), were less intellectual (less willing to try new experiences), and more extroverted, which may drive their desire to visit family and friends.

These people also tended to prioritise freedom and their own self-interest, the study published in journal PLOS ONE found.

The average age of these non-compliant members of the population was 29 years old.

“Alarmingly, the non-compliant group were more likely than the compliant group to (anticipate leaving) their home in the following week to meet friends or family, for religious reasons, because they are bored, and to exercise their right to freedom,” lead author University of Sydney Associate Professor Sabina Kleitman said.

“This behaviour is a major concern in Australia, especially during the current Sydney lockdown.”

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A large group of people protesting lockdown restrictions gathered in Sydney last month.

The study assessed online survey results from 1575 people that looked at behaviour and attitudes towards pandemic rules between March and April last year.

It found those who didn’t follow rules were more likely to perceive them as a threat to their freedom and thus resist them. They often perceive their individual freedoms as being of high value and are motivated to fight for them.

They were also less used to following strict social norms, and disregarded moral values or social obligations within society, making them more likely to make choices based on self-interest.

News and official Covid information sources were checked less frequently, and they were less likely to verify the accuracy of information. They were also less likely to trust the government and information sources.

Non-compliant people were also more likely to use unhealthy coping strategies such as denial and substance abuse.

RELATED: Greater Sydney residents still not isolating enough

A policeman grapples with a lockdown protester. Picture: www.matrixnews.com.au

The research also found 90 per cent of people were complying with Covid restrictions, and they were more likely to be young, educated and/or at-risk due to poorer health.

They were also more likely to be female, worry more, and believe in government-mandated protective measures. They coped with stress and anxiety more productively, with strategies like distraction and planning.

Prof Kleitman believes the research shows the need for targeted interventions to get people to follow rules such as physical distancing.

“More targeted approaches might use a variety of media outlets, provide education to help people identify misinformation, and target specific false beliefs,” Prof Kleitman said.

She believes authorities should focus more attention on regulating and monitoring misinformation, and believes some public health messages should also be reframed to appeal to people’s self-interest.