Misinformation, Anticipated Regret, and Vaccine-Related Behaviors
Published in: Journal of Health Communication (2022). doi: 10.1080/10810730.2022.2148022
Posted on RAND.org on December 06, 2022
A national survey (N = 1025) conducted in August 2021 reveals that Americans' belief in misinformation about COVID-19 was negatively associated with vaccine acceptance. Importantly, the more participants believe in misinformation, the less anticipated regret they experience for not getting vaccinated. Reduced anticipated regret is associated with lower levels of vaccination intention and vaccine acceptance. To counteract the negative impact of misinformation, this study reveals the potential of an under-researched emotion in overcoming vaccine hesitancy.
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