COVID-19 Vaccination Intentions: The Theory of Planned Behavior, Optimistic Bias, and Anticipated Regret

Abstract

High vaccination rates within the general population are essential for overcoming the current COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of the present study was to investigate intentions to receive a COVID-19 vaccine as well as the predictors of such intentions. A representative sample of the Norwegian population (N = 1,003, 49.5% females, Mage = 47.9, SD = 17.1) filled in an online questionnaire assessing the components of the Theory of planned behavior (attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control), as well as optimistic bias and anticipated regret. Results showed that a majority (61.6%) of participants intend to get vaccinated. Regression analysis revealed that intentions were predicted by positive attitudes toward vaccination (β = 0.31, p < 0.001), subjective norms in favor of vaccination in one’s family (β = 0.23, p < 0.001), perceived behavioral control (β = 0.09, p < 0.001), and by anticipated net regret (β = 0.32, p < 0.001), explaining 69% (f2 = 2.23) of the variance in intentions. Optimistic bias did not predict intentions.