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The Risk Perception of the Chinese Diaspora during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Targeting Cognitive Dissonance through Storytelling

Author

Listed:
  • Doris Yuet Lan Leung

    (School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China)

  • Shoilee Khan

    (Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies, York University, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada)

  • Hilary Hwu

    (Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, ON M5B 2K3, Canada)

  • Aaida Mamuji

    (Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies, York University, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada)

  • Jack Rozdilsky

    (Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies, York University, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada)

  • Terri Chu

    (Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies, York University, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada)

  • Charlotte Lee

    (Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, ON M5B 2K3, Canada)

Abstract

The global COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 required risk communications to mitigate the virus’ spread. However, social media not only conveyed health information to minimize the contagion, but also distracted from the threat by linking it to an externalized ‘other’—primarily those appearing to be of Chinese descent. This disinformation caused the attribution of blame to Chinese people worldwide. In Canada’s Greater Toronto Area, Chinese individuals reported widespread public stigma that compounded their risk of contagion; to the degree that it was driven by cognitive dissonance, it generated experiences of social and cultural vulnerability. In this paper, we draw on the aforementioned study’s findings to explain how the risk perception and threat appraisal of Chinese diaspora individuals were impacted by different cognitive dissonance pathways. These findings explore how storytelling is a viable intervention with which to target and mitigate cognitive dissonance. Indeed, the mechanisms of cognitive dissonance can modify risk perception and mitigate social and cultural vulnerability, thereby averting potential long-term negative consequences for one’s mental health and well-being. We hope our guidance, training educators to target pathways of cognitive dissonance by drawing on storytelling (with humour), can assist them to better convey information in ways that are more inclusive during public health emergencies.

Suggested Citation

  • Doris Yuet Lan Leung & Shoilee Khan & Hilary Hwu & Aaida Mamuji & Jack Rozdilsky & Terri Chu & Charlotte Lee, 2024. "The Risk Perception of the Chinese Diaspora during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Targeting Cognitive Dissonance through Storytelling," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(5), pages 1-15, April.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:21:y:2024:i:5:p:556-:d:1384433
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Doris Yuet Lan Leung & Hilary Hwu & Shoilee Khan & Aaida Mamuji & Jack Rozdilsky & Terri Chu & Charlotte Lee, 2024. "Understanding the Risk of Social Vulnerability for the Chinese Diaspora during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Model Driving Risk Perception and Threat Appraisal of Risk Communication—A Qualitative Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(4), pages 1-16, April.
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