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Table 1 Example statements for measuring PMT beliefs

From: Spontaneous social distancing in response to a simulated epidemic: a virtual experiment

Perceived severity of illness:

 

• If I were to develop an infectious disease (e.g. flu) I would suffer a lot of unpleasant symptoms.

 

• Developing an infectious disease would be unlikely to cause me to die prematurely.

 

Perceived vulnerability:

 

• My chances of developing an infectious disease (e.g. flu) in the future are likely.

 

• I am unlikely to develop an infectious disease (e.g. flu) in the future.

 

Response efficacy:

 

• If I were to engage in social distancing (e.g. by avoiding public transport and social events) I would lessen my chance of developing an infectious disease.

 

Self efficacy:

 

• I am discouraged from engaging in social distancing during times of infectious disease, because I feel it would be difficult to do so.

 

• I feel confident in my ability to engage in social distancing during times of infectious disease.

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