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Biowarfare conspiracy, faith in government, and compliance with safety guidelines during COVID-19: an international study

Author

Listed:
  • Olga Khokhlova

    (Middlesex University Dubai
    Lomonosov Moscow State University)

  • Nishtha Lamba

    (Middlesex University Dubai)

  • Aditi Bhatia

    (Middlesex University Dubai)

  • Marina Vinogradova

    (Lomonosov Moscow State University)

Abstract

In light of the coronavirus pandemic, an international study (N = 1066) was conducted to explore the new bioterrorism conspiracy, faith in government, and compliance with public health guidelines related to COVID-19. Hierarchical regressions showed that while general belief in conspiracies decreased faith in government during COVID-19, it increased belief in bioterrorism regarding the coronavirus. Critical thinking was associated with decreased endorsement of biowarfare conspiracy. Higher levels of belief in bioterrorism, faith in government, and perceived risk positively facilitated compliance behavior in public internationally. Interestingly, while people reported ‘worrying about others’ as their motivation to follow guidelines, ‘worrying about self’ was most strongly associated with compliance. The implications of these findings are discussed in the light of enhancing compliance with public health guidelines and effective ways of conveying them to an increasingly polarized society.

Suggested Citation

  • Olga Khokhlova & Nishtha Lamba & Aditi Bhatia & Marina Vinogradova, 2021. "Biowarfare conspiracy, faith in government, and compliance with safety guidelines during COVID-19: an international study," Mind & Society: Cognitive Studies in Economics and Social Sciences, Springer;Fondazione Rosselli, vol. 20(2), pages 235-251, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:minsoc:v:20:y:2021:i:2:d:10.1007_s11299-021-00282-4
    DOI: 10.1007/s11299-021-00282-4
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Romer, Daniel & Jamieson, Kathleen Hall, 2020. "Conspiracy theories as barriers to controlling the spread of COVID-19 in the U.S," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 263(C).
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