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Practical recommendations to communicate with patients about health‐related conspiracy theories

Marques, Mathew D; Douglas, Karen M; Jolley, Daniel

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Authors

Mathew D Marques

Karen M Douglas

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Dr DANIEL JOLLEY Daniel.Jolley@nottingham.ac.uk
Assistant Professor in Social Psychology



Abstract

Health-related conspiracy theories often advance the argument that information is being kept secret from the public by powerful individuals or groups within the government or health industry. They are widespread and are associated with important health attitudes, intentions, and behaviours. Recent research suggests that individuals are attracted to conspiracy theories to satisfy three important and fundamental psychological needs: epistemic, existential, and social needs. Understanding these underlying motivations associated with health-related conspiracy theories can help address patients’ beliefs. Debunking and inoculation are discussed as approaches that can be used to address patients’ belief in health-related conspiracy theories.

Citation

Marques, M. D., Douglas, K. M., & Jolley, D. (2022). Practical recommendations to communicate with patients about health‐related conspiracy theories. Medical Journal of Australia, 216(8), 381-384. https://doi.org/10.5694/mja2.51475

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Feb 16, 2022
Online Publication Date Apr 17, 2022
Publication Date 2022-05
Deposit Date Mar 10, 2022
Publicly Available Date Apr 18, 2023
Journal Medical Journal of Australia
Print ISSN 0025-729X
Electronic ISSN 1326-5377
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 216
Issue 8
Pages 381-384
DOI https://doi.org/10.5694/mja2.51475
Keywords General Medicine
Public URL https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/7566616
Publisher URL https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.5694/mja2.51475

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