The study by Besarta Veseli, Rouven Seifert, Michel Clement, and Edlira Shehu examines how crisis communication strategies influence individual acceptance of government-imposed restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic. In three online experiments, researchers analyze how messaging focused on health and/or economic factors, along with risk attribution, affects public support for restrictive measures. Results show that most individuals prioritize collective well-being over personal freedoms, favoring restrictions to prevent societal harm. While health-focused messaging maintains strong support, economic-focused messaging reduces acceptance. However, framing economic risks as affecting the individual's group increases support. These findings offer insights for policymakers designing effective crisis communication strategies.

https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0318541