Abstract
We examine the relationships between the perception of the scientific consensus regarding vaccines, and vaccine attitudes and intentions (N total = 2,362) in the context of COVID-19 disease. Based on the correlational evidence found (Study 1), perceived scientific consensus and vaccine attitudes are closely related. This association was stronger among people who trust (vs. distrust) scientists; however, political ideology did not moderate these effects. The experimental evidence (Studies 2–3) indicates that consensus messaging influences the perception of consensus; nonetheless, the effects on vaccine attitudes or intentions were non-significant. Furthermore, message aiming at reducing psychological reactance was similarly ineffective in changing attitudes as traditional consensus message.
Funder
Copernicus Science Centre
the Priority Research Area (Future Society: Behavior in Crisis Lab - Flagship Project) under the Strategic Programme Excellence Initiative at Jagiellonian University
Publisher
Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Reference70 articles.
1. A WHO official weighs in on Covid, vaccines, and mistakes that were made.;H. Branswell;In: STAT [Internet].,2022
2. A global database of COVID-19 vaccinations.;E Mathieu;Nat Hum Behav,2021
3. Meta-analyses of the determinants and outcomes of belief in climate change;MJ Hornsey;Nat Clim Change,2016
4. The pivotal role of perceived scientific consensus in acceptance of science;S Lewandowsky;Nat Clim Change,2013