Resources for Public Health Officials and Legislators
Vaccination
Testing
Prevention Behaviors
Health Equity
Food Insecurity
Mental Health
Funding
Vaccination
Increasing Vaccination: Putting Psychological Science Into Action
Psychology offers three general propositions for understanding and intervening to increase uptake where vaccines are available and affordable.
COVID-19 Vaccination Communication: Applying Behavioral and Social Science to Address Vaccine Hesitancy and Foster Vaccine Confidence
This report, which was developed in consultation with leading experts in social and behavioral sciences and public health, outlines evidence-informed communication strategies in support of national COVID-19 vaccine distribution efforts across federal agencies and their state and local partners.
Society of Behavioral Medicine Calls for the Biden-Harris Administration to Include Experts in Behavioral Medicine to COVID-19 Advisory Board
SBM calls for the inclusion of experts in behavioral medicine to the Biden-Harris Administration's COVID-19 Advisory Board.
Op-Ed: A COVID-19 vaccine is one thing. Getting Americans to take it is another
If getting Americans to wear a mask is hard, getting them to take a COVID-19 vaccine is likely to be even harder.
To Convince Vaccine Skeptics, Use Empathy, Information and a Re-Start, Experts Say
With multiple COVID-19 vaccines on the way in the United States, public health officials now face the daunting challenge of convincing skeptics to actually get the vaccine.
Testing
Covid-19 Testing Communications Toolkit
The COVID-19 Testing Communications Toolkit is a free, public resource for anyone looking to communicate the importance of COVID-19 testing to communities across America.
We Need a Different Strategy for COVID-19 Testing
The several different plans to reopen the economy share a common element -- more testing to identify who has or is at risk for infection, and to help determine who can safely return to work. But, we still lack a coherent national testing strategy.
Society of Behavioral Medicine Signs Statement on Reversing the Changes to the CDC's COVID-19 Testing Guidelines
SBM signed on to the Trust for America's Health's "Reversing the Changes to the CDC's COVID-19 Testing Guidelines."
Prevention Behaviors (Social Distancing, Masking, Etc.)
Crushing coronavirus means ‘breaking the habits of a lifetime.’ Behavior scientists have some tips
Government and industry leaders are turning to behavioral scientists for advice on how to persuade their citizens and workers to abide by such dramatic changes.
The Coronavirus Response Campaign
In response to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the Ad Council - in partnership with the federal government, public health partners, board member companies, major media networks and digital platforms – has launched a series of national PSAs and multi-channel content to provide critical and urgent messages to the American public about Coronavirus.
Predicting Social Distancing Intention and Behavior During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Integrated Social Cognition Model
The current study applied an integrated social cognition model to identify the determinants of social distancing behavior, and the processes involved, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Prevalence and predictors of early COVID-19 behavioral intentions in the United States
The current study examined participants’ reported likelihood of engaging in eight behaviors designated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as critical for the prevention of COVID-19 at the outset of the epidemic.
Clean and Contain: Initial Development of a Measure of Infection Prevention Behaviors During the COVID-19 Pandemic
To develop the Clean and Contain Measure, a brief measure of compliance with CDC recommendations for prevention of infectious disease, and validate the measure in individuals experiencing the COVID-19 pandemic.
Theory-based Behavioral Predictors of Self-reported Use of Face Coverings in Public Settings during the COVID-19 Pandemic in the United States
The purpose of this study was to determine associations between theory-based behavioral predictors of intention to wear a face covering and actual wearing of a face covering in public.
People are more likely to follow COVID-19 guidelines if authorities send the right message: Montreal study
People are more likely to follow COVID-19 public health guidelines if they get the right message from authorities, new research shows.
Health Equity
We Call for Equitable Healthcare during COVID-19 Pandemic
The Society of Behavioral Medicine urges research on disparities in COVID-19-related morbidity and mortality outcomes. We also call for policy actions to enable proactive remediation of healthcare disparities.
Protect At-Risk Populations from Extreme Heat During the COVID-19 Pandemic
The Society of Behavioral Medicine supports the implementation of short- and long-term policy solutions to protect at-risk populations from extreme heat events during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Society of Behavioral Medicine Statement on COVID-19 and Rural Health
The Society of Behavioral Medicine supports increased healthcare funding, enhanced Broadband internet infrastructure, and enforcement of industry-related COVID mitigation practices to address gaps in rural health service delivery and stem the spread of disease.
Food Insecurity
The Society of Behavioral Medicine Recommends Increased Access To Federal Food Assistance During And After The COVID-19 Pandemic
To support food security, the Society of Behavioral Medicine (SBM) recommends increased access to federal food assistance programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Pandemic EBT, and the National School Lunch Program during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Society of Behavioral Medicine Endorses Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand's Ensuring Nutrition for America's Students Act
SBM has endorsed U.S. Sen Kirsten Gillibrand's (D-NY) Ensuring Nutrition for America's Students Act. The legislation ensures that students who receive meals from school or childcare programs can continue receiving food assistance when those places are closed due to COVID-19.
Characteristics associated with changes in food security status among college students during the COVID-19 pandemic
The purpose of this study was to examine changes in the prevalence of food insecurity; determine the proportion of students experiencing a change in food security status; and identify characteristics associated with changes in food security status from before to during the COVID-19 pandemic among a sample of college students.
Mental Health
Mental Health in Emergencies
Most people affected by emergencies will experience distress (e.g. feelings of anxiety and sadness, hopelessness, difficulty sleeping, fatigue, irritability or anger and/or aches and pains).
Funding
SBM Asks Congress to Help Nonprofits Harmed by COVID-19
In a special letter to U.S. Congressional leadership, SBM urged the inclusion of associations, nonprofits, and other tax-exempt organizations within any federal aid packages or supplemental appropriations measures.