Abstract:
In contrast to behavioural theories which argue that attitude informs intention and
subsequently behaviour, ‘self-perception theory’ posits that, in instances of temporarily
imposed restrictions or incentives, behaviour can inform attitude. If the experience of the
new behaviour is positive, attitude may become more favourable, and as a result the
changed behaviour may endure after the period of imposed change has lapsed. COVID-19
lockdowns in South Africa introduced a form of temporarily imposed travel restrictions. So,
could COVID-19 lockdown regulations, which necessitated an increase in online activity,
change attitudes towards remote activity participation? Further, could such a changed
attitude lead to enduring trip substitution after restrictions are removed? Using the
theoretical framework of self-perception theory, this paper undertakes a meta-analysis of
four surveys to explore the prospects of enduring disruptions to pre-pandemic travel
habits. The surveys were all conducted online at different lockdown levels, with small nonprobability samples. Age cohort analysis of the (n=300) fused dataset suggests that the
experience of greater remote activity participation and trip substitution amongst the sample
of adult South African respondents was positive, this experience made attitudes toward
these behaviours more favourable, and intentions to break pre-pandemic travel habits
have been formed.
