The role of behavioural immune system and belief in COVID-19 misinformation on COVID-19 protective behaviours in Indonesia

Abstract

This study (N = 1306) investigated the role behavioural immune system and specific beliefs in COVID-19 misinformation in predicting COVID-19 protective behaviours. By analysing the data from an online survey, we found that germ avoidance significantly predicted social distancing and was negatively correlated to transportation use. Belief in conspiracy theories and non-psychological cures and prevention methods were negatively associated to social distancing, while the latter also predicted lower preventive commodities purchasing. These findings suggested that germ aversion should be incorporated in the promotion of COVID-19 prevention behaviours and that any misinformation related to COVID-19 should be minimized to improve people’s protective behaviours.

Keywords

behavioural immune system COVID-19 pandemic Indonesia misinformation

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