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Mistrust, uncertainty and health risks

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  • Glynis M. Breakwell

Abstract

Aspects of the relationship between mistrust, uncertainty and risk responses are examined. Identity Process Theory and Social Representation Theory are used to explain risk responses. The operation of mistrust, defined here as an active state of uncertainty about whether a source or its assertions are to be believed, is examined. Mistrust can also be a cognitive or emotional trait of a person, associated with being habitually suspicious, doubtful, or sceptical, and, as such, can be a preferred strategy for coping with threats to identity. The relationship between mistrust and uncertainty in shaping responses to health risks is examined. An illustration using media reporting of MMR vaccine hesitancy during 2019 is described. This indicated: politicians and health experts sometimes mistrust the public’s reaction to risk guidance; uncertainty once established is resilient against remediation; and, targeting of mistrust and blame is purposive.

Suggested Citation

  • Glynis M. Breakwell, 2020. "Mistrust, uncertainty and health risks," Contemporary Social Science, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 15(5), pages 504-516, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:rsocxx:v:15:y:2020:i:5:p:504-516
    DOI: 10.1080/21582041.2020.1804070
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    Cited by:

    1. Carol Nash, 2021. "Challenges to Learners in Interpreting Self as Other, Post COVID-19," Challenges, MDPI, vol. 12(2), pages 1-24, November.
    2. Olga Navickienė & Ieva Meidutė-Kavaliauskienė & Renata Činčikaitė & Mangirdas Morkūnas & Asta Valackienė, 2023. "Modernisation of a Country in the Context of Social Environmental Sustainability: Example of Lithuania," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(4), pages 1-18, February.
    3. Rusi Jaspal & Glynis M Breakwell, 2022. "Socio-economic inequalities in social network, loneliness and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 68(1), pages 155-165, February.
    4. Rusi Jaspal, 2022. "Chemsex, Identity and Sexual Health among Gay and Bisexual Men," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(19), pages 1-16, September.
    5. Talia Goren & Itai Beeri & Dana R. Vashdi, 2023. "Framing policies to mobilize citizens' behavior during a crisis: Examining the effects of positive and negative vaccination incentivizing policies," Regulation & Governance, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 17(2), pages 570-591, April.

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