A self-perception theory meta-analysis of the habit-breaking impacts of covid-19 travel restrictions in south african cities

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.