Asymmetric affective polarization regarding COVID-19 vaccination in six European countries.

ABSTRACT: While recent research has shown that supporters and opponents of COVID-19 vaccination have polarizing political attitudes and beliefs, we lack a thorough understanding of how these two groups think about each other. To investigate the feelings and stereotypes between supporters and opponents of COVID-19 vaccination, this study draws on cross-sectional survey data from six European countries (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom), collected between January and March 2022 (n = 6379). Our findings indicate an opinion-based affective polarization between supporters and opponents of COVID-19 vaccination. Both groups not only adopt different positions on the issue but also display dynamics of in-group favoritism and out-group hostility. Most notably, our assessment

SUBMITTER: Filsinger M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11237099 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature