A Commentary on Psychological Factors Affecting Pro-Social Behaviors: What Can We Do to Increase Compliance with the Regulations of Physical Distancing During the COVID-19 Pandemic?

This brief commentary is aimed at sharing concise messages which might have an effect in augmenting the general public’s adherence to lock-down measures during the COVID-19 pandemic. Three factors which are likely to underlie the choice of adhering to these norms, will be discussed, including empathy, positive mood and social influence. The commentary includes a series of brief suggestions for different actors involved in promoting adherence to regulations aimed at reducing the spread of the COVID-19 virus in the population, including media, decision makers and individuals from the general public. Funding: This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors. Conflict of Interest: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.