Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/216404 
Year of Publication: 
2020
Series/Report no.: 
IZA Discussion Papers No. 13092
Publisher: 
Institute of Labor Economics (IZA), Bonn
Abstract: 
We study how intentions to comply with the self-isolation restrictions enacted in Italy in response to the COVID-19 crisis respond to the length of their possible extension. Based on a survey of a representative sample of Italian residents (N=894), we find that respondents who are positively surprised by a given hypothetical extension (i.e. the extension is shorter than what they expected) are more willing to increase their self-isolation. In contrast, negative surprises (extensions longer than expected) relate with a lower willingness to comply. In a context where individual compliance has collective benefits, but full enforcement is costly and controversial, communication and persuasion have a fundamental role. Our findings provide insights to public authorities on how to announce lockdown measures and manage people's expectations.
Subjects: 
behavioural change
COVID-19
expectations
compliance
social distancing
JEL: 
H12
I12
I18
D84
D91
Document Type: 
Working Paper

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