Twin pandemics, intertwined (intergroup) solutions: Support for mitigating racism benefits vaccine hesitancy

Abstract

The present research examines the potential that support for efforts aimed at mitigating systemic racism might have beneficial consequences related to vaccination attitudes (e.g., vaccine willingness). Specifically, the present research examines the hypothesis that Black Lives Matter (BLM) support is related to reduced vaccine hesitancy, and that prosocial intergroup attitudes are a theoretical mechanism. It tests these predictions across social group lines. Study 1 examined state-level indicators tied to BLM protests and discourse (i.e., Google searches, news reports) and COVID-19 vaccine attitudes among US adult racial/ethnic minority (N = 81,868) and White (N = 223,353) respondents. Then, Study 2 investigated, respondent-level, BLM support (measured at time 1) and general vaccine attitudes (measured at time 2) among US adult racial/ethnic minority (N = 1,756) and White (N = 4,994) respondents. It tested a theoretical process model that included prosocial intergroup attitudes as a mediator. Study 3 tested a replication of the theoretical mediation model using a different sample of US adult racial/ethnic minority (N = 2,931) and White (N = 6,904) respondents. Across studies and social groups (i.e., racial/ethnic minority and White respondents), as well as controlling for demographic and structural covariates, BLM support and state-level indicators were found to be related to lower vaccine hesitancy. And, Studies 2–3 provided some evidence that prosocial intergroup attitudes are a theoretical mechanism; the studies provided evidence of partial mediation. Holistically, the findings have the potential to advance understandings of how support and discourse related to BLM and/or other anti-racism efforts can be associated with positive public health outcomes such as reductions in vaccine hesitancy.