Multiple group membership, optimistic bias and infection risk in the context of emerging infectious diseases
Journal article
Frings, D., Wills, J., Sykes, S., Wood, K. and Albery, I. (2023). Multiple group membership, optimistic bias and infection risk in the context of emerging infectious diseases. European Journal of Health Psychology. (30), pp. 115-125. https://doi.org/10.1027/2512-8442/a000127
Authors | Frings, D., Wills, J., Sykes, S., Wood, K. and Albery, I. |
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Abstract | BACKGROUND: Understanding psychosocial factors which impact responses to emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) is vital in managing epidemics and pandemics. Two under-researched areas in this field are the interactive roles of optimistic bias (underestimation of the likelihood of negative events occurring to the self, relative to others) and group membership (a factor observed to be psychologically protective, but infection risk enhancing). AIMS: The current study aimed to test the relationships between optimistic bias and membership of multiple groups upon EID related emotional and psychological responses and behavioural intentions. METHODS: Participants from the UK and US (N= 360) rated how they would evaluate and respond to a fictitious EID immediately before the 2020 COVID-19 lockdowns in a correlational study. RESULTS: Negative relationships were observed between optimistic bias and perceived infection vulnerability, infection prevention strategies and perceived EID severity. Multiple group membership correlated negatively with germ avoidance, but positively with emotional responses such as disgust and increased perceived vulnerability to infection – factors linked to avoiding infection. Multiple group memberships and optimistic bias were unrelated. LIMITATIONS: The study focussed on a fictitious disease and relies on cross-sectional data and behavioural intentions. CONCLUSIONS: These findings build upon the small evidence base on the role of optimistic bias in EID management and suggest that multiple group membership is unlikely to increase optimistic bias. The theoretical and practical implications of the findings for EID management are discussed. |
Keywords | groups; pandemic; communicable diseases; covid-19; optimistic bias; unrealistic optimism |
Year | 2023 |
Journal | European Journal of Health Psychology |
Journal citation | (30), pp. 115-125 |
Publisher | Hogrefe |
ISSN | 2512-8450 |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.1027/2512-8442/a000127 |
Publication dates | |
19 Jan 2023 | |
Publication process dates | |
Accepted | 22 Nov 2022 |
Deposited | 28 Nov 2022 |
Accepted author manuscript | License File Access Level Open |
Additional information | This version of the article may not completely replicate the final authoritative version published in European Journal of Health Psychology at https://doi.org/10.1027/2512-8442/a000127. It is not the version of record and is therefore not suitable for citation |
https://openresearch.lsbu.ac.uk/item/929z0
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Accepted author manuscript
Frings_OB_Groups MANUSCRIPT Submission Haplo.docx | ||
License: CC BY 4.0 | ||
File access level: Open |
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