Reactance and perceived disease severity as determinants of COVID-19 vaccination intention: an application of the theory of planned behavior.

To encourage maximum vaccination against COVID-19, determinants of vaccination intention must be identified. The present study aimed to do so through an application of the theory of planned behavior (TPB). We examined variables associated with TPB, perceived severity of COVID-19, knowing someone with COVID-19 (k-COVID-19), and individual differences such as age, gender, and psychological reactance. An online survey was conducted on 551 Polish participants. Structural equation modeling was conducted on the data collected. Attitude (utility beliefs) toward COVID-19 vaccination was the strongest predictor of vaccination intention, followed by beliefs about social norms and perceived behavioral control. Older age and k-COVID-19 were associated with higher vaccination intention through perceived higher severity of infection and higher levels of all TPB components. Being a woman and having higher trait reactance were negatively related to COVID-19 vaccination intention through lower levels of all TPB components. The results show that COVID-19 vaccination intention is directly associated with all TPB components, and is related to gender, age, COVID-19-related variables, and reactance. Our results contribute to the scientific pursuit of encouraging uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine by identifying modifiable determinants that could be targeted in health campaigns.