The Effects of Anti-Vaccine Conspiracy Theories on Vaccination Intentions
Open Access
- 20 February 2014
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Public Library of Science (PLoS) in PLOS ONE
- Vol. 9 (2), e89177
- https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0089177
Abstract
The current studies investigated the potential impact of anti-vaccine conspiracy beliefs, and exposure to anti-vaccine conspiracy theories, on vaccination intentions. In Study 1, British parents completed a questionnaire measuring beliefs in anti-vaccine conspiracy theories and the likelihood that they would have a fictitious child vaccinated. Results revealed a significant negative relationship between anti-vaccine conspiracy beliefs and vaccination intentions. This effect was mediated by the perceived dangers of vaccines, and feelings of powerlessness, disillusionment and mistrust in authorities. In Study 2, participants were exposed to information that either supported or refuted anti-vaccine conspiracy theories, or a control condition. Results revealed that participants who had been exposed to material supporting anti-vaccine conspiracy theories showed less intention to vaccinate than those in the anti-conspiracy condition or controls. This effect was mediated by the same variables as in Study 1. These findings point to the potentially detrimental consequences of anti-vaccine conspiracy theories, and highlight their potential role in shaping health-related behaviors.Keywords
This publication has 42 references indexed in Scilit:
- The Role of Conspiracist Ideation and Worldviews in Predicting Rejection of SciencePLOS ONE, 2013
- Dead and AliveSocial Psychological and Personality Science, 2012
- Social Psychological Origins of Conspiracy Theories: The Case of the Jewish Conspiracy Theory in MalaysiaFrontiers in Psychology, 2012
- Unanswered questions: A preliminary investigation of personality and individual difference predictors of 9/11 conspiracist beliefsApplied Cognitive Psychology, 2009
- Conspiracy Theories: Causes and Cures*Journal of Political Philosophy, 2009
- The Hidden Impact of Conspiracy Theories: Perceived and Actual Influence of Theories Surrounding the Death of Princess DianaThe Journal of Social Psychology, 2008
- Parents’ vaccination comprehension and decisionsVaccine, 2008
- Beliefs in ConspiraciesPolitical Psychology, 1999
- The Psychological Impact of Viewing the Film "JFK": Emotions, Beliefs, and Political Behavioral IntentionsPolitical Psychology, 1995
- Belief in Conspiracy TheoriesPolitical Psychology, 1994