Papers by Samuel E K U N D A Y O Oladipo
Lagos Journal of Psychology, 2024
Over time, a substantial percentage of tax evasion and noncompliance with tax regulations has
be... more Over time, a substantial percentage of tax evasion and noncompliance with tax regulations has
been observed in Nigerian corporate and individual companies and government establishments.
This study investigated the socioeconomic predictors of compliance with tax regulation among
Directors of Finance and Accounts (DFA) in Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies
in Southwest Nigeria. The study adopted the descriptive cross-sectional survey research design,
and 600 participants were sampled from the 1,145 total population of DFAs, using a proportionate
stratified sampling technique. Socio-Demographic Data Form (SDDF) (r = 0.98) and Tax
Compliance Assessment Scale (TACAS) (0.72) were used for data collection. Appropriate test
statistics were used for data analysis, with results suggesting significant compliance with tax
regulations among Finance Directors (Mean= 4.05). There was a significant negative relationship
between age and compliance with tax regulations (r = -0.135, p < .05); socioeconomic variables
altogether did not significantly predict compliance with tax regulations (F5, 594= 1.303; p > 0.05).
It was concluded that socioeconomic variables did not significantly predict the FDA’s compliance
with government tax regulations. It was recommended that the government pay attention to the
age difference of individual FDAs and educate noncompliant taxpayers on the need for
compliance.
AFRICAN JOURNAL FOR THE PSYCHOLOGICAL STUDY OF SOCIAL ISSUES, 2024
Evidence abound across the globe attesting to high rate of immoral and unruly behaviours among yo... more Evidence abound across the globe attesting to high rate of immoral and unruly behaviours among youth and Nigeria is not an exception as well. Moral decadence and different forms of indiscipline are on the increase. It is presumed that teaching basic religious values to children will assist in addressing the problem, but contrary seems to be the case in Nigeria. This study examined resilience as a correlate of moral rectitude among school leavers of faith-based Secondary Schools in the study area. One research question and one research hypothesis was formulated and tested in this study. Two research instruments were used to data collection. The only hypothesis stated was tested using Pearson Moment Correlation statistic method. Descriptive research design was employed and sample of the study was selected using multi stage sampling procedure. One thousand nine hundred and twenty (1920) faith-based secondary school students form the sample size. The findings of the study identified significant correlation of resilience on moral rectitude of school leavers of faith-based schools in the study area. Result showed that resilience correlated significantly with moral rectitude of school-leavers of faith-based secondary schools (r = .84; p < 0.05). In line with the finding of the study, it was recommended that for the society to address moral laxity among adolescents, moral education should be made compulsory in schools and colleges. Regular webinar should be organised for school counsellors to assist them better in discharging their roles of imparting values to students.
AFRICAN JOURNAL FOR THE PSYCHOLOGICAL STUDY OF SOCIAL ISSUES, 2024
Pre-retirement ianxiety iis ia icommon ipsychological iconcern iamong iteachers iapproaching iret... more Pre-retirement ianxiety iis ia icommon ipsychological iconcern iamong iteachers iapproaching iretirement iage. iThis istudy iexamined ithe impacts iof irational iemotive ibehaviour itherapy i(REBT)) iin imanaging ipre-retirement ianxiety iamong isecondary ischool iteachers iin iOyo iState. iThis istudy iwas ianchored ion ithe ipropositions iof idisengagement itheory. i A ipre-test-post-test icontrol igroup iquasi-experimental idesign iwith ia ifactorial imatrix iwas iadopted ifor ithe istudy. iThe ipopulation iconsisted iof iall isecondary ischool iteachers iin iOyo iState. iParticipants iwere irandomly iassigned iinto ione iexperimental igroups iand ione icontrol igroup: i(REBT iand iControl). iThe iinstruments iwere iused ito icollect idata: i iA istimulus iresponse iinstruments i(REBT iTraining iPackages) iand iresponse iinstruments i(Pre-Retirement iAnxiety iScale i(α i= i0.86). iTwo ihypotheses iwere itested iat ia isignificance ilevel iof i0.05. iData iwere ianalysed iusing iAnalysis iof iCovariance i(ANCOVA). i Findings irevealed isignificant imain ieffect iof itreatment ion ipre-retirement ianxiety iamong isecondary ischool iteachers i(F i(i2,70 i)= i7.416, iP i< i0.05, iη 2 i = i0.186). iParticipants iexposed ito iREBT i(i= i58.638) ihad ithe ihighest ipre-retirement ianxiety imean iscore iand icontrol igroup i(i= i45.126). iGender ihad ia isignificant imain ieffect ion iretirement ianxiety iamong isecondary ischool iteachers i(iF i(1,70) i= i4.914, ip i< i0.05, iη 2 i = i0.070), imale iparticipants idisplayed ihigher imean i(i= i55.25) iin ipre-retirement ianxiety ithan itheir i ifemale icounterparts i(i= i47.37). i Ifindings revealed that iREBT ireduced ipre-retirement ianxiety. iTherefore, iit iis irecommended ifor icounsellors ito iadopt iREBT iin iassisting iteachers ito iovercome iretirement ianxiety.
ASUU JOURNAL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES, 2022
Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) is a reported public health problem of a global magnitude with immediate... more Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) is a reported public health problem of a global magnitude with immediate and long-term consequences for survivors and society at large. In Nigeria, one out of four girls has been a victim of sexual abuse. The objective of this study was to investigate the reasons for high
prevalence of CSA in Nigeria and establish the need for more
orientation and awareness creation in order to curb it.Fifty
key informants participated in the study they were drawn
from the population of parents of survivors, parents of those
who have not been abused, law enforcement agents who were
involved in handling cases of child sexual abuse, civil defence officers and counsellors. Cross-sectional survey research
design and snowballing sampling were used for the study.
Structured interview was conducted over a period of four
weeks with the respondents. Result of data analysis suggested
that reasons for the prevalence of CSA and the need for more
awareness creation include poverty, religious beliefs, cultural
practices, fear of stigmatisation and learned helplessness.
Making conscious effort to educate the masses about CSA
and the need to correct the anomalies and excesses in some
government establishments will significantly reduce CSA in
Nigeria.
Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment, 2021
Welcome to the special issue on COVID-19. At the time of writing this introduction,
the world ea... more Welcome to the special issue on COVID-19. At the time of writing this introduction,
the world eagerly awaits the distribution of recently approved vaccines. Given the
vast operation involved in immunizing so many people, it will likely take another six
months or even a year before our lives return to normal. But what will normal life
look like?
The pandemic caused almost global implementation of social distancing policies and
practices. In a matter of weeks, people faced an abrupt halt to much of their lives. Six
weeks into being locked down, the reality set in that social distancing practices were
likely going to continue beyond the initial efforts to slow the spread of the virus. As
important as it was to find a vaccine, as social scientists and health practitioners, we
became concerned about factors that could have long-term consequences. The combination of living separated from one another for extended periods of time, pursuing
implied definitions of “safety” and “care” for self and others, all while essentially
experiencing universal fear may alter foundational norms. The interactions between
people, families, communities, schools, governments, and the rest of their social environments may never be the same.
As an international and interdisciplinary journal, JHBSE was the appropriate venue to
host a special issue on COVID-19, social distancing, and human behavior. The intention
was to capture in one place a compilation of studies from around the world examining the
experiences and consequences of social distancing on human behavior. The journal
published the call for papers in May of 2020 with a deadline for abstracts by the end of
June and submission of invited manuscripts by the end of August. The journal received
over 80 articles from scholars from around the world. The articles selected represent the
shared purpose of documenting what is being learned about social distancing on human
behavior now as well as when the world encounters another pandemic in the future.
Taken together, the articles examined most areas of life for people and institutions on
almost every continent. Education, physical and mental health, economics, communication patterns, the use of social media, the role of religion and spirituality, resiliency, and
helping behaviors were emphasized. The role of culture, stress, and support were also
examined. Two pervasive themes seemed to run throughout all of the articles. First,
people and entire countries were unprepared for the level of disruption to their daily
routines. Second, scholars called for resources to reach families and communities to
enhance cooperation and functioning during the long periods of social isolation. We
hope readers learn from the research on social distancing and implement strategies to
enhance the well-being for themselves and others.
Environmental Education Research, 2013
The purpose of this preliminary study is to establish a reliable and valid measure of environment... more The purpose of this preliminary study is to establish a reliable and valid measure of environmental connectedness (EC) to allow for further exploration of the Swedish Outdoor Recreation in Change national survey data. The Nordic concept of friluftsliv (nature-based outdoor recreation) and the environmental psychology concept of EC are explored to provide a foundation for the research. Reliability and construct validity testing on items from the Outdoor Recreation in Change survey have been tested and have demonstrated both reliability and construct validity. A reliable and construct valid measure of EC will facilitate research into the possible relationships between EC, nature-based outdoor recreation, and environmental behavior. A better understanding of these relationships may serve to further understanding of the human relationship with nature.
... Volume 8 Issue 3 Summer 2010 Posted On Wed, Sep 01 2010 14:09:00 Authors: Adesoji A. Oni , Al... more ... Volume 8 Issue 3 Summer 2010 Posted On Wed, Sep 01 2010 14:09:00 Authors: Adesoji A. Oni , Alade Ibiwumi Abiodun. ... authorized to grant academic and innovation for the over all socio-economic empowerment of individual and community development (Babalola & Okediran ...
Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 2013
Informed by previous research finding which established evidence of low satisfaction among underg... more Informed by previous research finding which established evidence of low satisfaction among undergraduates in Nigeria, the purpose of this paper was to examine the psychological variables that would predict satisfaction with life among undergraduates in Southwestern Nigeria. A cross-sectional ex post facto survey design was adopted and convenient sampling method was used. Three hundred and twenty (118, i.e. 36.9%) male and 202 (63.1%) female students, ages ranging between 16 to 27 years (M = 28.47, SD = 8.76) participated in this study. Validated scale was used for data collection and the hypothesis stated was confirmed after testing with appropriate statistics. The result showed that NaCh and Hloc significantly predicted satisfaction with life among undergraduates, whereas, anxiety was not a significant predictor. Internals who were high on need achievement were low on satisfaction with life, while externals who were low on need achievement were high on satisfaction with life. Conclusion was reached that professional services would be required for undergraduates with low satisfaction with life in order to orientate them regarding adjustment and coping with reality of life in order to prevent psychological breakdown. A limitation to this is study would be the small sample size and the limited psychological variables that were examined. However, further research may make these a focus. Selection and peer review under the responsibility of Prof.
Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, Jul 1, 2013
Informed by previous research finding which established evidence of low satisfaction among underg... more Informed by previous research finding which established evidence of low satisfaction among undergraduates in Nigeria, the purpose of this paper was to examine the psychological variables that would predict satisfaction with life among undergraduates in Southwestern Nigeria. A cross-sectional ex post facto survey design was adopted and convenient sampling method was used. Three hundred and twenty (118, i.e. 36.9%) male and 202 (63.1%) female students, ages ranging between 16 to 27 years (M = 28.47, SD = 8.76) participated in this study. Validated scale was used for data collection and the hypothesis stated was confirmed after testing with appropriate statistics. The result showed that NaCh and Hloc significantly predicted satisfaction with life among undergraduates, whereas, anxiety was not a significant predictor. Internals who were high on need achievement were low on satisfaction with life, while externals who were low on need achievement were high on satisfaction with life. Conclusion was reached that professional services would be required for undergraduates with low satisfaction with life in order to orientate them regarding adjustment and coping with reality of life in order to prevent psychological breakdown. A limitation to this is study would be the small sample size and the limited psychological variables that were examined. However, further research may make these a focus. Selection and peer review under the responsibility of Prof.
The present study examined locus of control, self-esteem and gender as factors of professional ps... more The present study examined locus of control, self-esteem and gender as factors of professional psychological helpseeking behaviour of undergraduates. The study adopted an ex-post facto descriptive survey research design, and a total of 325 Participants were systematically randomly selected from the population of undergraduates in a state university in the western part of Nigeria.178 of them were males and 147 females, 268 Christians, 52 Muslims and 5 belonging to other forms of religions. Age of participants ranged between 16-30 years with a mean age of 22.05 and a standard deviation of 2.275. Samples were limited to students who were either in their second or third year in the university (first year and final year students were left out). Validated self-reported measures were used for data collection and three hypotheses were tested in the study. Significant positive correlation existed among the variables (p<.001, r = .216 ** ; .388 ** and .253 **); Locus of control and self-esteem both significantly independently and jointly predicted psychological help-seeking among students ((locus of control: β = .38, F = 56.75, p < .01; self-esteem: β = .34, F = 35.55, p < .01; self-esteem and locus of control β = .33, F = 46.45, p < .01). However, gender was not a significant predictor of psychological help-seeking among students. (Mean = 51.39, 51.48; df =323, t=-.066, p>.05).
Contemporary Issues in Education Research (CIER), 2010
The study investigated the level of job satisfaction of male and female administrative staff in S... more The study investigated the level of job satisfaction of male and female administrative staff in South West Nigeria Universities. The research design used was a descriptive survey type. The population consisted of all the senior administrative staff in the universities, out of which a sample of 400 respondents made up of 100 respondents from each of the state and federal universities. Two research questions were raised while one hypothesis was generated and tested at 0.05 level of significance, using t-test statistical method. The result of the analysis showed that the level of job satisfaction of administrative staff in both federal and state universities was high. It was also revealed that there was no significant difference in the job satisfaction of administrative staff in the universities. It was revealed that there was significant difference in the job satisfaction of male and female administrative staff in the universities. Based on this findings, it was recommended that the u...
Gender and behaviour, Dec 1, 2015
Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, 2015
This study investigates the influence of organisational factors and work-family role conflict on ... more This study investigates the influence of organisational factors and work-family role conflict on organisation commitment among working parents. The participants in the study comprise 200 employees of banking, armed forces, educational, and health institutions with a mean age 37.52 years. About 57% are men while 43.5% are women. Validated scales are used for data collection with data analysed using appropriate test statistics. Results reveal that employees with high work-family conflict are more committed to their jobs, while there is no significant difference in organisational commitment between the senior and the junior staff. Other findings suggest workers in the banking institutions significantly score higher on organisational commitment than workers in other work sectors. The findings are discussed in line with the existing literature while the study recommends a need for effective organisational policies and practices in improving and encouraging organisational commitment.
African Journal for the Psychological Study of Social Issues, 2010
Abstract Although examination malpractice is neither a recent phenomenon nor a peculiar thing to ... more Abstract Although examination malpractice is neither a recent phenomenon nor a peculiar thing to Nigeria or Africa, the alarming rate of increase is a global issue which calls for concern from all stakeholders in the education sector Examination malpractice has become so widespread that there is virtually no examination anywhere at all levels that there is no form of sharp practice or the other. The objective of this study is to investigate the predictors of examination malpractice among secondary school students in Ogun state, Nigeria. ...
African Journal for the Psychological Study of Social Issues, Oct 11, 2006
Abstract One of the main vices making living on the campuses of tertiary institutions in Nigeria ... more Abstract One of the main vices making living on the campuses of tertiary institutions in Nigeria a nightmare is the menace of cultism. Like a hydra-headed problem that it is, attempts to eradicate cultism in institutions of higher learning have often been frustrated as the problem gets compounded by the day. This has prompted worries, especially among parents and many stakeholders in the educational sector. In view of this, this paper focuses on campus cult and proposed that its eradication will lead to a restoration of confidence in ...
Psycho-social experiences and coping among caregivers of people
African Journal for the Psychological Study of Social Issues, 2008
Although much research has been conducted on sexual risk behavior, little attention seems to have... more Although much research has been conducted on sexual risk behavior, little attention seems to have been given to demographic variables that may likely predict undergraduates' sexual risk behavior. The purpose of this study therefore, was to find out the demographic predictors of sexual risk cognition of undergraduates in one of the universities in South-Western Nigeria. Using an ex post facto design and random sampling technique, 300 participants were drawn to participate in the study. Participants' mean age was 26years; minimum age was 15years, while the maximum age was 38years. 180 (60%) of the total participants were young (ages 15years to 26years) while 120 (40%) were old. (Ages 27years to 38years). On marital status, 240 (80%) of the total population were singles, 45 (15%) were married, 15 (.5%) were separated. On religion, 210 (70%) were Christians, 75 (25%) were Muslims and 15 (.5%) belong to other religious groups. On ethnicity, 12 (.4%) were Hausas, 54 (18%) were Ibo...
Journal of Social Development in Africa, 2015
The aim of this study was to determine predictors of HIV/AIDS knowledge and voluntary counselling... more The aim of this study was to determine predictors of HIV/AIDS knowledge and voluntary counselling and testing of undergraduate students in two campuses of the North-West University.The paper used cross-sectional data of 1,498 and 1,392 university students from Mafikeng and Potchefstroom Campuses. The major source of information on HIV/AIDS was through university programmes. At the Mafikeng Campus, 9 out of 10 undergraduate students had taken HIV test compared to 4 out of 10 at the Potchefstroom Campus. Age and level of education were found to be the main predictors of knowledge of HIV and uptake of voluntary counselling and testing, while race was a predictor of knowledge of HIV and uptake of VCT services among Potchefstroom undergraduate students. There is a need for males to take advantage of free VCT services in order to know their status. Also programmes should provide more detailed information related to HIV/AIDS prevention. Keywords: HIV/AIDS, HIV knowledge, HIV counselling,HI...
Leprosy Review, 2016
Objectives: The Participation Scale (P-Scale) has been shown to be a valid and reliable scale for... more Objectives: The Participation Scale (P-Scale) has been shown to be a valid and reliable scale for measuring participation restriction in people affected by leprosy. Until, now there has been no translation of the scale in Igbo. This study set out to produce a valid translation of the P-Scale in Igbo. Design: The research design was a cross-sectional survey. Forty (40) subjects were chosen by purposive sampling. Data were analysed using Cronbach’s Alpha and factor analyses. Result: Reliability analysis conducted using the Cronbach Alpha reliability test revealed that the overall reliability Alpha of the scale is 0·91. Firstly, most of the scale items showed a correlation coefficient of at least 0·3 with at least one other item on the scale, which suggests reasonable factorability. Secondly, the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin measure of sampling adequacy was 0·77, and Bartlett’s test of sphericity was significant (x (190) 1⁄4 473·93, P , 0·001). Finally, the communalities were all above 0·5 confirming that each item shared some common variance with other items. Conclusion: It can be concluded that this Igbo translation of the Participation Scale is reliable and valid for use among the Igbo speaking group in Nigeria.
Uploads
Papers by Samuel E K U N D A Y O Oladipo
been observed in Nigerian corporate and individual companies and government establishments.
This study investigated the socioeconomic predictors of compliance with tax regulation among
Directors of Finance and Accounts (DFA) in Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies
in Southwest Nigeria. The study adopted the descriptive cross-sectional survey research design,
and 600 participants were sampled from the 1,145 total population of DFAs, using a proportionate
stratified sampling technique. Socio-Demographic Data Form (SDDF) (r = 0.98) and Tax
Compliance Assessment Scale (TACAS) (0.72) were used for data collection. Appropriate test
statistics were used for data analysis, with results suggesting significant compliance with tax
regulations among Finance Directors (Mean= 4.05). There was a significant negative relationship
between age and compliance with tax regulations (r = -0.135, p < .05); socioeconomic variables
altogether did not significantly predict compliance with tax regulations (F5, 594= 1.303; p > 0.05).
It was concluded that socioeconomic variables did not significantly predict the FDA’s compliance
with government tax regulations. It was recommended that the government pay attention to the
age difference of individual FDAs and educate noncompliant taxpayers on the need for
compliance.
prevalence of CSA in Nigeria and establish the need for more
orientation and awareness creation in order to curb it.Fifty
key informants participated in the study they were drawn
from the population of parents of survivors, parents of those
who have not been abused, law enforcement agents who were
involved in handling cases of child sexual abuse, civil defence officers and counsellors. Cross-sectional survey research
design and snowballing sampling were used for the study.
Structured interview was conducted over a period of four
weeks with the respondents. Result of data analysis suggested
that reasons for the prevalence of CSA and the need for more
awareness creation include poverty, religious beliefs, cultural
practices, fear of stigmatisation and learned helplessness.
Making conscious effort to educate the masses about CSA
and the need to correct the anomalies and excesses in some
government establishments will significantly reduce CSA in
Nigeria.
the world eagerly awaits the distribution of recently approved vaccines. Given the
vast operation involved in immunizing so many people, it will likely take another six
months or even a year before our lives return to normal. But what will normal life
look like?
The pandemic caused almost global implementation of social distancing policies and
practices. In a matter of weeks, people faced an abrupt halt to much of their lives. Six
weeks into being locked down, the reality set in that social distancing practices were
likely going to continue beyond the initial efforts to slow the spread of the virus. As
important as it was to find a vaccine, as social scientists and health practitioners, we
became concerned about factors that could have long-term consequences. The combination of living separated from one another for extended periods of time, pursuing
implied definitions of “safety” and “care” for self and others, all while essentially
experiencing universal fear may alter foundational norms. The interactions between
people, families, communities, schools, governments, and the rest of their social environments may never be the same.
As an international and interdisciplinary journal, JHBSE was the appropriate venue to
host a special issue on COVID-19, social distancing, and human behavior. The intention
was to capture in one place a compilation of studies from around the world examining the
experiences and consequences of social distancing on human behavior. The journal
published the call for papers in May of 2020 with a deadline for abstracts by the end of
June and submission of invited manuscripts by the end of August. The journal received
over 80 articles from scholars from around the world. The articles selected represent the
shared purpose of documenting what is being learned about social distancing on human
behavior now as well as when the world encounters another pandemic in the future.
Taken together, the articles examined most areas of life for people and institutions on
almost every continent. Education, physical and mental health, economics, communication patterns, the use of social media, the role of religion and spirituality, resiliency, and
helping behaviors were emphasized. The role of culture, stress, and support were also
examined. Two pervasive themes seemed to run throughout all of the articles. First,
people and entire countries were unprepared for the level of disruption to their daily
routines. Second, scholars called for resources to reach families and communities to
enhance cooperation and functioning during the long periods of social isolation. We
hope readers learn from the research on social distancing and implement strategies to
enhance the well-being for themselves and others.
been observed in Nigerian corporate and individual companies and government establishments.
This study investigated the socioeconomic predictors of compliance with tax regulation among
Directors of Finance and Accounts (DFA) in Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies
in Southwest Nigeria. The study adopted the descriptive cross-sectional survey research design,
and 600 participants were sampled from the 1,145 total population of DFAs, using a proportionate
stratified sampling technique. Socio-Demographic Data Form (SDDF) (r = 0.98) and Tax
Compliance Assessment Scale (TACAS) (0.72) were used for data collection. Appropriate test
statistics were used for data analysis, with results suggesting significant compliance with tax
regulations among Finance Directors (Mean= 4.05). There was a significant negative relationship
between age and compliance with tax regulations (r = -0.135, p < .05); socioeconomic variables
altogether did not significantly predict compliance with tax regulations (F5, 594= 1.303; p > 0.05).
It was concluded that socioeconomic variables did not significantly predict the FDA’s compliance
with government tax regulations. It was recommended that the government pay attention to the
age difference of individual FDAs and educate noncompliant taxpayers on the need for
compliance.
prevalence of CSA in Nigeria and establish the need for more
orientation and awareness creation in order to curb it.Fifty
key informants participated in the study they were drawn
from the population of parents of survivors, parents of those
who have not been abused, law enforcement agents who were
involved in handling cases of child sexual abuse, civil defence officers and counsellors. Cross-sectional survey research
design and snowballing sampling were used for the study.
Structured interview was conducted over a period of four
weeks with the respondents. Result of data analysis suggested
that reasons for the prevalence of CSA and the need for more
awareness creation include poverty, religious beliefs, cultural
practices, fear of stigmatisation and learned helplessness.
Making conscious effort to educate the masses about CSA
and the need to correct the anomalies and excesses in some
government establishments will significantly reduce CSA in
Nigeria.
the world eagerly awaits the distribution of recently approved vaccines. Given the
vast operation involved in immunizing so many people, it will likely take another six
months or even a year before our lives return to normal. But what will normal life
look like?
The pandemic caused almost global implementation of social distancing policies and
practices. In a matter of weeks, people faced an abrupt halt to much of their lives. Six
weeks into being locked down, the reality set in that social distancing practices were
likely going to continue beyond the initial efforts to slow the spread of the virus. As
important as it was to find a vaccine, as social scientists and health practitioners, we
became concerned about factors that could have long-term consequences. The combination of living separated from one another for extended periods of time, pursuing
implied definitions of “safety” and “care” for self and others, all while essentially
experiencing universal fear may alter foundational norms. The interactions between
people, families, communities, schools, governments, and the rest of their social environments may never be the same.
As an international and interdisciplinary journal, JHBSE was the appropriate venue to
host a special issue on COVID-19, social distancing, and human behavior. The intention
was to capture in one place a compilation of studies from around the world examining the
experiences and consequences of social distancing on human behavior. The journal
published the call for papers in May of 2020 with a deadline for abstracts by the end of
June and submission of invited manuscripts by the end of August. The journal received
over 80 articles from scholars from around the world. The articles selected represent the
shared purpose of documenting what is being learned about social distancing on human
behavior now as well as when the world encounters another pandemic in the future.
Taken together, the articles examined most areas of life for people and institutions on
almost every continent. Education, physical and mental health, economics, communication patterns, the use of social media, the role of religion and spirituality, resiliency, and
helping behaviors were emphasized. The role of culture, stress, and support were also
examined. Two pervasive themes seemed to run throughout all of the articles. First,
people and entire countries were unprepared for the level of disruption to their daily
routines. Second, scholars called for resources to reach families and communities to
enhance cooperation and functioning during the long periods of social isolation. We
hope readers learn from the research on social distancing and implement strategies to
enhance the well-being for themselves and others.