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Psychological characteristics associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and resistance in Ireland and the United Kingdom
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Paper Summary
Conflicts of Interest
Identified Weaknesses
Rating Explanation
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Paper Summary
Paperzilla title
Trust Me, I'm Not a Scientist (Or a Politician): Vaccine Hesitancy and the Psychology of Distrust
Vaccine hesitancy and resistance were found in substantial portions of the Irish and UK populations, with similar psychological profiles in both countries. Vaccine-hesitant/resistant individuals were more self-interested, distrustful of authority, and likely to hold conspiratorial and religious beliefs, compared to those willing to accept a vaccine.
Possible Conflicts of Interest
None identified
Identified Weaknesses
Sampling Bias
The study employed a non-probability-based sampling method via the internet, which can introduce bias and limit the generalizability of the findings.
Limited Timeframe
The data were collected during the first week of the strictest lockdown measures in Ireland and the UK, impacting external validity. Vaccine views may have shifted since.
Hypothetical Scenario
Questions focused on a hypothetical COVID-19 vaccine, so it remains unclear how participants would react to a real vaccine with known efficacies and risks.
Limited Generalizability
The study only included two Western European countries, limiting the generalizability of findings to other regions and cultures.
Exclusion of Key Groups
Certain subpopulations like institutionalized individuals and those with limited internet access were excluded, further restricting the generalizability.
Rating Explanation
This study uses robust methodology with a large sample size and investigates a timely and important topic. Despite certain limitations concerning generalizability and the use of a hypothetical vaccine, the findings offer valuable insights into the psychological factors underlying vaccine hesitancy, which can help inform public health strategies. The lack of clear conflicts of interest further supports the rating.
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File Information
Original Title:
Psychological characteristics associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and resistance in Ireland and the United Kingdom
File Name:
s41467-020-20226-9.pdf
[download]
File Size:
1.02 MB
Uploaded:
July 14, 2025 at 10:59 AM
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