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Flight or flight? - How the coronavirus pandemic has affected scientists’ willingness to engage with the public

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Listed:
  • Frank Marcinkowski

    (Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf)

  • Hella de Haas

    (Hochschule Düsseldorf University of Applied Sciences)

  • Sarah Kohler

    (Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf)

Abstract

During the coronavirus pandemic, scientists who worked to overcome the outbreak received recognition, but also opposition and even hostility. This article examines how the experience of the pandemic has affected the willingness of scientists to engage with the public. Derived from a comprehensive survey of 4207 scientists at German universities and research institutions, animosity towards scientists during the pandemic has created a sense of insecurity that may cause them to withdraw from the public eye. Depending on the relative strength of two cognitive appraisals, the severity of the threat and the appropriateness of the retreat option, the likelihood of respondents engaging with the public varies significantly.

Suggested Citation

  • Frank Marcinkowski & Hella de Haas & Sarah Kohler, 2025. "Flight or flight? - How the coronavirus pandemic has affected scientists’ willingness to engage with the public," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 12(1), pages 1-11, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:palcom:v:12:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1057_s41599-025-05023-3
    DOI: 10.1057/s41599-025-05023-3
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Leventhal, H., 1971. "Fear appeals and persuasion: the differentiation of a motivational construct," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 61(6), pages 1208-1224.
    2. Diana Tsoy & Danijela Godinic & Qingyan Tong & Bojan Obrenovic & Akmal Khudaykulov & Konstantin Kurpayanidi, 2022. "Impact of Social Media, Extended Parallel Process Model (EPPM) on the Intention to Stay at Home during the COVID-19 Pandemic," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(12), pages 1-32, June.
    3. Viktoria Cologna & Niels G. Mede & Sebastian Berger & John Besley & Cameron Brick & Marina Joubert & Edward W. Maibach & Sabina Mihelj & Naomi Oreskes & Mike S. Schäfer & Sander Linden & Nor Izzatina , 2025. "Trust in scientists and their role in society across 68 countries," Nature Human Behaviour, Nature, vol. 9(4), pages 713-730, April.
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