Istiqamah…on the importance of staying the course

• Main Author: Mohd Mahudin, Nor Diana
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: IIUM Emotional and Psychological Support 2020
• Subjects: BF636 Applied psychology
• Online Access: http://irep.iium.edu.my/86175/8/86175_Istiqamah%E2%80%A6On%20the%20importance%20of%20staying%20the%20course%20%282%29.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/86175/; https://flagship.iium.edu.my/eps/istiqamahon-the-importance-of-staying-the-course/

When the movement control order (MCO) was first imposed on March 18, the instruction was straight forward – stay at home. Sounded simple enough. Yet, I found myself increasingly restless, even rebellious, especially when photos of prominent individuals flouting the order without facing any consequences were everywhere. Still, the instruction was clear, but honestly, it was exhausting being cooped up for almost 50 days. This is rich coming from someone who is private and prefers to be reclusive – like me. So, why are we tempted to do something when told not to? In the COVID-19 scenario, how do we explain when some people defy public health orders despite knowing the consequences and potential risks? Or maybe the better question should be, how do we explain why some people comply with directives while others do not?