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Journal article
Voluntary Compliance with COVID-19 Nonpharmaceutical Interventions: Evidence from Mainland China and Hong Kong
Journal of Contemporary China, Vol.online ahead of print
09/23/2026
Web of Science ID: WOS:001884492500001
Abstract
In response to COVID-19 outbreaks, China implemented aggressive and comprehensive nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs), whose epidemiological effectiveness is often attributed to government coercion. However, sustained compliance also relies on a broad consensus regarding the nature of the disease and the legitimacy of interventions. Drawing on surveys conducted immediately before reopening in mainland China and Hong Kong, this study examines the foundations of voluntary compliance. The findings show that beyond coercion, both instrumental and normative concerns affect compliance. Perceived severity of COVID-19, perceived effectiveness of NPIs, collectivist orientation, and institutional trust are associated with higher voluntary compliance, whereas negative impacts of NPIs, especially psychological burdens, are associated with lower voluntary compliance. These results highlight the importance of legitimacy and consensus mobilization in sustaining compliance.
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Details
- Title
- Voluntary Compliance with COVID-19 Nonpharmaceutical Interventions
- Publication Details
- Journal of Contemporary China, Vol.online ahead of print
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publisher
- Routledge; ABINGDON
- Number of pages
- 21
- Grant note
- Boston University
This research was funded by the Boston University Long-Term Graduate Research Abroad Fellowship.
- Copyright
- © 2026, Taylor & Francis
- Identifiers
- WOS:001884492500001; 99381901086306600
- Academic Unit
- Reubin O'D. Askew Department of Government ; College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities
- Language
- English