Vaccination policy reactance: Predictors, consequences, and countermeasures.

Philipp Sprengholz,Robert Böhm,Cornelia Betsch,Lisa Felgendreff

doi:10.1177/13591053211044535

Philipp Sprengholz, Robert Böhm + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1177/13591053211044535

Copy DOI

Abstract

Ending the COVID-19 pandemic will require rapid large-scale uptake of vaccines against the disease. Mandating vaccination is discussed as a suitable strategy to increase uptake. In a series of cross-sectional quota-representative surveys and two preregistered experiments conducted in Germany and the US (total N = 4629), we investigated (i) correlates of individual preferences for mandatory (vs voluntary) COVID-19 vaccination policies; (ii) potential detrimental effects of mandatory policies; and (iii) interventions potentially counteracting them. Results indicate that reactance elicited by mandates can cause detrimental effects, such as decreasing the intention to vaccinate against influenza and adhere to COVID-19 related protective measures.

Highlights

Ending the COVID-19 pandemic will require rapid and large-scale uptake of vaccines, but data from different countries indicates that a significant part of the global population may not intend to get vaccinated against COVID-19
Men, and those suffering from a chronic disease indicated higher support for mandatory vaccination, mirroring the risk groups for more severe symptoms in the case of infection with COVID-19
In Germany, support for a mandatory COVID19 vaccination decreased as the pandemic progressed, especially after lockdown restrictions were lifted

Summary

Introduction

Ending the COVID-19 pandemic will require rapid and large-scale uptake of vaccines, but data from different countries indicates that a significant part of the global population may not intend to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Given the insufficient appetite for the vaccine and potential psychological side effects of mandatory vaccination, it is important to understand people’s preferences for COVID-19 vaccination policies, their predictors and consequences. Two preregistered experiments investigate the potential consequences of mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policies on unrelated behavioral intentions and test countermeasures to prevent the detrimental effects. The results advance psychological theory by providing a better understanding of the predictors and consequences of reactance in the context of health policies. Such evidence can support policymakers to decide which COVID19 vaccination policy to implement, and how to communicate this policy to the public

Methods

Results

Conclusion