Psychology

Not-so-straightforward links between believing in COVID-19-related conspiracy theories and engaging in disease-preventive behaviours

H. Chan, C. P. Chiu, et al.

Discover how belief in COVID-19 conspiracy theories influenced disease-preventive behaviors in the United States. This research reveals intriguing connections between risk perception, emotions, and conspiracy ideologies, conducted by Hoi-Wing Chan, Connie Pui-Yee Chiu, Shijiang Zuo, Xue Wang, Li Liu, and Ying-yi Hong.

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Abstract

This study investigated the link between belief in COVID-19 conspiracy theories and disease-preventive behaviors. A repeated cross-sectional survey of around 1500 US respondents from early February to late March 2020 revealed that belief in risk-acceptance conspiracy theories (e.g., COVID-19 as a bioweapon) was linked to more preventive behaviors, while belief in risk-rejection theories (e.g., COVID-19 as exaggerated influenza) was associated with fewer such behaviors. These links were mediated by risk perception and negative emotions and modulated by the outbreak stage.

Publisher

HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES COMMUNICATIONS

Published On

May 04, 2021

Authors

Hoi-Wing Chan, Connie Pui-Yee Chiu, Shijiang Zuo, Xue Wang, Li Liu, Ying-yi Hong

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