Framing Messages to Promote Compliance
What is it? Information can be conveyed in multiple ways. In particular, the language and framing of content can be the difference between a message which successfully changes the way a person thinks, acts and feels, or one that falls flat. Messages which restrict a person’s sense of control can even drive them in the opposite…
(Keep Your) Psychological Distance
What is it? The perception of distance between ourselves and the mental representation of an object, event or action influences how we behave and think1. This can refer to spatial distance (is it geographically near or far?), temporal distance (is it now or in the future?), hypothetical distance (is it likely or unlikely to happen?) and…
Why the Messenger is Important for Behaviour Change
What is it? Why are some people able to deliver messages that are listened to, believed and acted upon, whilst others are not? Evidence shows we are heavily influenced by who communicates information, not just what they say (1). This is because our willingness to listen is most strongly driven by an emotional response rather…
Wellbeing for Frontline Staff
Centre for Mindfulness Research and Practice Dr Rebecca Crane, Director CMRP In a time of crisis, frontline workers need ongoing support to help maintain wellbeing and health. Psychotherapy, counselling and mindfulness training may be of benefit after the crisis when many will need space to process the sadness, trauma and grief that they have been…
Using Social Norms to Influence Population Behaviour
What is it? At a time when the population is being urged to socially distance, it is important to recognise how social norms impact human behaviour, and how to leverage this in fighting Covid-19. Behavioural scientists define ‘social norms’ as the unwritten rules or expectations within a society or group (1), for example shaking hands…