Unmasking stigma: Understanding psychosocial distance toward pandemic-recovered individuals and lessons for future pandemics

Throughout human history, pandemics have repeatedly revealed a persistent pattern of disease-related stigma. This phenomenon highlights the critical need to address this recurring social challenge. In light of the most recent COVID-19 pandemic, it is evident that there are vital lessons to be learned. This study examined whether pandemic-recovered individuals (PRIs) faced disease-related stigma and experienced psychosocial distance by utilizing representative social survey data, including a vignette experiment on social interaction. The findings demonstrated that PRIs were subject to disease-related stigma as participants in this study exhibited significantly reduced willingness to engage socially with hypothetical PRIs during the pandemic. This psychosocial distance was particularly pronounced among individuals with higher levels of education, social status, and social capital. To prepare for future pandemics, societies must draw on these lessons and mitigate psychosocial distance by strengthening formal institutions and improving the dissemination of accurate information.