It all started with...

The Motivation Barometer

The Motivation Barometer was an ongoing research initiative designed to monitor and assess the motivation of the Belgian population during the COVID-19 crisis. It aimed to understand how people's motivation evolves in response to public health measures and how psychological factors influenced their adherence to these measures over time.

In practice, the Motivation Barometer helped to inform public policy and communication strategies by offering evidence-based recommendations to government officials, crisis centers, and the media. It highlighted the importance of maintaining the population’s motivation, not just for compliance, but also for mental well-being, and it aimed to bridge the gap between psychological theory and real-world practice.

Through reports and interventions in various media, the findings from the Motivation Barometer have been used to advise governments and institutions on how to sustain public motivation, ensuring that measures are proportionate, communicated effectively, and take into account the population's mental health.

The largest behavioral experiment ever

From the start of the COVID-19 crisis, it was clear to us as motivation psychologists that this was not just a health crisis but also a psychological and motivational one. Our main tool in combating the spread of the virus is, after all, our behavior. Motivating the population to sustain their efforts under these challenging circumstances is no easy feat. For academics like us, this crisis presented a unique opportunity to test, refine, and optimize existing theories.

An interdisciplinary collaboration

This crisis highlighted, more than ever, the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration among various academic fields. Motivation, health, social, and clinical psychologists have contributed in several ways. First, by strengthening the motivational foundation for public health measures through persuasive communication. Second, by advising on measures that are proportionate to the level of risk, aiming to reduce psychological and motivational strain. Third, by alerting other disciplines to the necessity of support measures and initiatives to boost motivation and mental health.

Bridging theory and practice

Schrijf een beschrijving voor With the Motivation Barometer, we aim to bridge the gap between theory and practice. We have supported both the government and the public throughout this crisis by providing accessible reports, as well as through various opinion pieces and media interventions. Over the past months, the results from this Motivation Barometer and corresponding recommendations have been shared with the national crisis center, governors, GEMS, the commissioner's office, and several ministerial cabinets. Behind the scenes, we have also been providing support to various civil society organizations, local and provincial governments, and the media to help them fulfill their motivational role during this crisis. Through this social engagement, we strive to contribute our part in overcoming this crisis.deze subkop of wijzig deze naar wens.

How it started

The emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus required a swift and coordinated response from policymakers to control its spread (World Health Organization, 2020). Policymakers worldwide sought advice from scientific advisory committees, mainly composed of biomedical experts, including virologists, infectious disease specialists, biostatisticians, and epidemiologists. Although individuals’ behavior and adherence to health guidelines are critical in controlling the virus, social scientists, particularly psychologists, were notably underrepresented in advising policymakers with evidence-informed recommendations (Bavel et al. 2020).

Policy decisions, although essential for containing the virus, can often be intrusive into people’s lives and conflict with basic psychological needs, such as the need for relatedness (Leary 2022; Ryan and Deci 2017). The unpredictable course of the virus, coupled with the absence of efficient vaccines in 2020 and the gradual vaccine rollout until mid-2021, demanded prolonged adherence efforts from citizens.

The Motivation Barometer project was established to contribute to evidence-based COVID-19 policy and address various psychological aspects affecting individuals. This large-scale, dynamic monitoring system tracked psychological functioning across the pandemic through over a hundred measurement waves, starting on March 19, 2020, one day after Belgium’s initial lockdown. The project originated in the Belgian context, but its generic aspects hold relevance for other countries.

Symposium June 2022, Brussels

Method and analytical approach

Overview reports on fluctuations in motivation over time

Initially launched in Flanders, the Motivation Barometer expanded to include French language questionnaires and participants from Brussels and Wallonia. Participants were recruited online through social media ads and collaborations with national newspapers. No monetary incentives were provided. A total of 483,778 surveys were completed by 321,495 unique individuals across 110 waves, with an average of 2949 participants per wave. Ad hoc recruitment led to nonrepresentative data, biased towards those with computer and internet access, and motivated individuals. The sample was older, more female, more vaccinated, and more educated than the average Belgian population. To address bias, a weighting procedure was applied based on population statistics, though limitations were acknowledged. Attitudinal data were cautiously presented, and a weighting procedure adjusted for sociodemographic differences. Nonetheless, potential biases and limitations in small datasets were recognized, and the influence of other unmeasured variables on self-selection was acknowledged.

To address potential biases, our analysis and presentation of findings focused on structural relations between psychological variables or between sociodemographic and psychological factors, minimizing the impact of data unrepresentativeness. Rather than reporting absolute numbers, we emphasized relative changes over time and presented findings in a differentiated manner for characteristics not included in the weighting procedure. Careful wording and theory-grounded interpretations were employed to prevent inappropriate conclusions and aid understanding among citizens and policymakers.

and now we have...

THRIVE

Taking stock to foster health and trust for an inclusive post-covid society

The Thrive project seeks to provide evidence-based recommendations for post-Covid preparedness in the domains of well-being and democratic governance by fully actualizing the potential of the large-scale Motivation Barometer project, together with additional post-covid waves.

This project has four key objectives, both descriptive and predictive, aimed at deepening our understanding of the population's varied social and psychological responses during the COVID-19 pandemic:

Uncovering Population Heterogeneity: We aim to identify distinct groups within the population based on unique trajectories during the pandemic. These trajectories will be analyzed through socio-demographic factors (e.g., age, gender, ethnicity, education, religion) and psychological dimensions (e.g., trust, identity, subjective social status).
Impact of Trajectories on Mental Health: By examining how these varied trajectories influenced people's evolving reactions throughout the pandemic, we will identify both resilient and psychologically vulnerable groups.
Interdisciplinary Approach: The project brings together experts from multiple fields, including health psychology, motivation psychology, social psychology, and sociology. It integrates both quantitative and qualitative methods to ensure a comprehensive analysis.
Influence of Contextual Factors: We will investigate how contextual elements—such as communication strategies and the strictness of health measures—interact with key psychological predictors, such as trust and ideologies, to shape people's experiences.

The findings will be shared across scientific and non-scientific platforms, including publications in leading psychology and sociology journals, conferences, and practical reports with actionable recommendations. Our team’s strong connections with key stakeholders will enable collaborative efforts to co-create interventions and shape future recommendations.

Overview of the work packages

WP1: Understanding vaccine hesitancy: a person-centered approach

Past research on vaccine hesitancy has often focused on socio-demographic predictors (Moscardino et al., 2022). However, findings from the Motivation Barometer highlight other important factors, such as trust in authorities, belief in conspiracy theories (Van Oost et al., 2022), and perceptions of divine immanence and Nature's sacred status (Van Oost et al., submitted), which influence vaccination hesitancy through risk perception and motivation (Schmitz et al., 2022). A person-centered approach that explores profiles of individuals based on diverse predictors, and how these profiles affect well-being and vaccination attitudes, remains largely unexplored (Matta et al., 2023). WP1 aims to fill this gap by identifying these profiles and examining their impact on both vaccination hesitancy and well-being.

WP 2: The COVID-19 crisis – a lingering mental scar or an opportunity for growth?

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted mental health in diverse ways. While some individuals still struggle with long-lasting mental health issues, others have found opportunities for personal growth. WP2 investigates the factors that explain these varied outcomes, focusing particularly on young people. Key to understanding this difference is how well basic psychological needs—autonomy, competence, and relatedness—were met during the crisis. When these needs were satisfied, they acted as buffers for mental health, while their frustration increased the risk of depression and anxiety.

WP3: Health behaviors during and beyond the pandemic – exploring contrasting paths and their mental health impact

During the COVID-19 pandemic, public authorities promoted various health behaviors to control the virus. While habits like hand hygiene had little effect on mental health, new behaviors such as mask-wearing and social distancing posed greater challenges. These avoidant behaviors, often intrusive and emotionally taxing, required individuals to override natural social inclinations. WP3 investigates how adherence to these measures has impacted mental health and well-being, aiming to provide insights into the lasting effects of pandemic-era behaviors on public health.

WP4: Navigating transitions in adolescence during the pandemic

The shift from primary to secondary education marks a critical period for adolescents as they develop autonomy and shape their identities (de Singly, 2006). However, the pandemic disrupted this transition, profoundly affecting academic, social, and emotional development (Settersen et al., 2020). School closures, remote learning, and limited social interactions hindered teens from fully engaging with their new environments, leading to weakened social ties and a sense of lost youth. Yet, new practices emerged, with teenagers adapting through online interactions and reimagining domestic spaces (Gervais et al., 2022).

WP4 seeks to explore the lasting impact of these experiences on adolescents' wellbeing and future outlooks, including their trust in authorities and vaccination intentions. By amplifying their voices, WP4 aims to provide insights into the long-term effects of this unique life phase.

WP 5: Trust in politicians, experts, and health care workers – The impact of communication during a pandemic

Trust is a crucial element that shapes relationships, especially in times of crisis like a pandemic. It involves one party placing themselves in a vulnerable position, relying on the competence and integrity of the other. During the pandemic, trust in public authorities, health care workers, and experts became essential for effective decision-making and public cooperation.

WP5 explores how the communication styles of authorities during the pandemic influenced public trust. It examines whether the way politicians, experts, and healthcare workers communicated key decisions shaped people’s trust and how these attitudes continue to affect public perceptions today.

WP6: Understanding the impact of the Covid-Safe Ticket on vaccination intentions and public trust

In the summer of 2021, Europe introduced the COVID-19 certificate, or green pass, as a key to re-engaging with public life. Its implementation varied across countries, sparking debates on its role and impact. In Belgium, the Covid-Safe Ticket (CST) led to significant public discussion, even causing polarization. WP6 explores the psychological effects of the CST, examining how it influences vaccination intentions, mental health, and public trust. By analyzing whether it was perceived as a protective tool or a coercive measure, this project sheds light on the broader social and psychological consequences of the CST.

WP7: Does stringent policy always undermine motivation and mental health? The key role of proportionality

During the COVID-19 pandemic, countries implemented measures with varying degrees of stringency, sparking ongoing debates about their necessity (Thompson et al., 2022). While strict policies were at times crucial, they often clashed with public desire for more lenient approaches as mental health concerns grew. Policymakers faced the challenge of enforcing timely, stringent actions while maintaining public motivation and mental well-being. WP7 aims to explore whether the strictness of policies alone influences citizens' behavior and mental health, or if the broader context, such as the epidemiological situation, plays a crucial role in shaping these outcomes.

Maximizing societal impact and seamless coordination: WP 8 & WP 9

WP 8: Driving Societal Impact through Co-Creation
The findings from our work packages will reach far beyond academic circles. Through a strategic dissemination plan, we aim to engage stakeholders and the public by offering user-friendly, visual, and audio content. Co-creation activities with key players will ensure these insights have real-world applications, driving significant societal impact.

WP 9: Efficient Coordination for Project Success
Led by PI Olivier Luminet, WP 9 ensures smooth coordination across the consortium. This involves monitoring research progress, managing partnerships, overseeing finances, promoting gender equality, and ensuring compliance with ethical standards. Our focus is on strong collaboration and transparent communication to achieve project milestones effectively.