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An existential perspective on interpersonal closeness and social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVE
The terror management health model proposes that COVID-19's association with death should increase a desire for closeness, which could undermine social distancing intentions. Alternatively, social distancing intentions may increase if it has become culturally valued. The present research assessed these claims.


DESIGN
We conducted three pre-registered online experiments (N = 409) where we manipulated COVID-19 thoughts, and examined either proximal (i.e. immediate) or distal (i.e. delayed) reactions.


MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
Death-thought accessibility, desire for closeness, social distancing intentions, and measures concerning the perceived cultural value of social distancing.


RESULTS
COVID-19 thoughts increased death-thought accessibility (Study 1). COVID-19-induced death thoughts increased a distal desire for closeness, particularly in securely attached individuals, but also increased the perceived value of, and intentions to engage in, social distancing (Studies 2 and 3).


CONCLUSION
Our findings demonstrate how proximal strategies may progress to distal strategies when they become embedded within cultural worldviews. These findings can aid in sustained efforts to encourage social distancing behavior.