ABSTRACT
Messaging about COVID-19 was different across the political spectrum, which influenced differences in attitudes surrounding COVID-19. This study examined the political affiliation/ideology on COVID-19 stigma (blame, deservingness of help, negative emotionality) and two mediators of this relationship: conspiracy beliefs and anxiety about COVID-19. Participants answered questions about their political affiliation and ideology, attitudes toward people who have contracted COVID-19; and COVID-19 conspiracy beliefs and anxiety. Democrats and Independents indirectly stigmatized people with COVID-19 via increased COVID-19 anxiety and fewer COVID-19 conspiracy beliefs relative to Republicans. Politicization can strongly impact stigma, and messaging could be harnessed as a stigma reduction tool.
ABSTRACT
Perceived controllability of health conditions influences stigma;yet, limited research has examined stigma associated with COVID-19. Across two samples (N = 1,457), participants read about an individual who complied with COVID-19 health protocols (vs. not) and contracted COVID-19 (vs. not). Participants indicated their attitudes toward the target, willingness to help the target, blame/responsibility toward the target, and willingness to interact with the target. Results demonstrated that participants disliked individuals who did not comply with health protocols regardless of COVID-19 status. Participants felt the target was more to blame, were less willing to interact with the target, and were less willing to help the target that did not comply with health protocols and contracted COVID-19 relative to the target with COVID-19 who complied with protocols. Some individuals exhibit lasting effects of COVID-19 and may require long-term help;these results suggest stigma related to not following safety precautions may present a barrier for these individuals. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)