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Mitigating and managing COVID-19 conspiratorial beliefs

Dow, Benjamin J; Wang, Cynthia S; Whitson, Jennifer A; Deng, Yingli

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Authors

Benjamin J Dow

Cynthia S Wang

Jennifer A Whitson



Abstract

Background/Aim: Belief in COVID-19 related conspiracy theories is a widespread and consequential problem that healthcare leaders need to confront. In this article, we draw on insights from social psychology and organisational behaviour to offer evidence-based advice that healthcare leaders can use to reduce the spread of conspiratorial beliefs and ameliorate their negative effects, both during the current pandemic and beyond. Conclusion: Leaders can effectively combat conspiratorial beliefs by intervening early and bolstering people’s sense of control. Leaders can also address some of the problematic behaviours that result from conspiratorial beliefs by introducing incentives and mandates (e.g., vaccine mandates). However, because of the limitations of incentives and mandates, we suggest that leaders complement these techniques with interventions that leverage the power of social norms and increase people’s connections to others.

Citation

Dow, B. J., Wang, C. S., Whitson, J. A., & Deng, Y. (2022). Mitigating and managing COVID-19 conspiratorial beliefs. BMJ Leader, 6(4), 259-262. https://doi.org/10.1136/leader-2022-000600

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Jun 20, 2022
Online Publication Date Jul 1, 2022
Publication Date Dec 22, 2022
Deposit Date Sep 6, 2022
Publicly Available Date Sep 6, 2022
Journal BMJ Leader
Publisher BMJ Publishing Group
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 6
Issue 4
Pages 259-262
DOI https://doi.org/10.1136/leader-2022-000600
Public URL https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1192413

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