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The effects of anti-vaccine conspiracy theories on vaccination intentions

Jolley, Daniel and Douglas, Karen M (2014) The effects of anti-vaccine conspiracy theories on vaccination intentions. PLoSONE, 9 (2). ISSN 1932-6203

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Abstract or description

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

Item Type: Article
Faculty: Previous Faculty of Health Sciences > Psychology, Sport and Exercise
Depositing User: Daniel JOLLEY
Date Deposited: 14 Dec 2015 15:22
Last Modified: 24 Feb 2023 13:42
URI: https://eprints.staffs.ac.uk/id/eprint/2203

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