Social distancing and prosocial behaviors: The replenishing effect of intense visual stimulation

COVID-19 has disrupted lives across the world. This research investigates the psychological and behavioral consequences of social distancing, which is being globally practiced to contain its spread. Using seven experiments, we document the moderating role of high-intensity visual stimulation on social distancing’s effect on psychologically distressed individuals’ prosocial intentions and behaviors. The results reveal that social distancing resulted in ego depletion; however, exposure to high-intensity visual stimuli replenished cognitive resources and increased prosocial intentions and behaviors among those experiencing psychological distress due to social distancing.