The impact of risk perceptions and belief in conspiracy theories on COVID-19 pandemic-related behaviours.

ABSTRACT: Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, conspiracy theories about the virus spread rapidly, and whilst governments across the globe put in place different restrictions and guidelines to contain the pandemic, these were not universally adhered to. This research examined the association between pandemic related risk perceptions, belief in conspiracy theories, and compliance with COVID-19 public guidelines amongst a UK sample (n = 368). Participants rated their level of concern for a series of potential risks during the pandemic (to the economy, personal health, freedom, media integrity and health risk to others). Participants also rated their level of belief in different conspiracy theories and self-reported their behaviour during the first UK lockdown. Mediational analyses showed that stronger be

SUBMITTER: Hughes JP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8824369 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature