The role of behavioural immune system and belief in COVID-19 misinformation on COVID-19 protective behaviours in Indonesia

This study (N = 1306) investigated the role behavioural immune system and specific beliefs in COVID-19 misinformation in predicting COVID-19 protective behaviours. By analysing the data from an online survey, we found that germ avoidance significantly predicted social distancing and was negatively c...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of health psychology 2022-10, Vol.27 (12), p.2729-2743
Main Authors: Prawira, Benny, Pratama, Annas Jiwa, Bella, Adrianna, Nuraini, Sri
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Avoidance behavior
Behavior
Conspiracy
COVID-19
Immune system
Misinformation
Prevention programs
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:This study (N = 1306) investigated the role behavioural immune system and specific beliefs in COVID-19 misinformation in predicting COVID-19 protective behaviours. By analysing the data from an online survey, we found that germ avoidance significantly predicted social distancing and was negatively correlated to transportation use. Belief in conspiracy theories and non-psychological cures and prevention methods were negatively associated to social distancing, while the latter also predicted lower preventive commodities purchasing. These findings suggested that germ aversion should be incorporated in the promotion of COVID-19 prevention behaviours and that any misinformation related to COVID-19 should be minimized to improve people’s protective behaviours.
ISSN:1359-1053
1461-7277
DOI:10.1177/13591053211037730