Human Behaviour in Pandemics: Social and Psychological Determinants in a Global Health Crisis

This book provides a comprehensive overview of the social and psychological factors that contribute to the COVID-19 pandemic, covering topics such as fear, risk, judgment, decision-making, threat and uncertainty, group identity and cohesion, social and institutional trust, and communication. It is written by an author team of psychologists and sociologists and includes over 740 references from peer-reviewed research. The book offers insights into individual, group, social, and communication perspectives and provides policy solutions based on successful strategies to combat adverse social, cognitive, and emotional consequences.

Format: Hardback
Length: 216 pages
Publication date: 07 April 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This timely and interdisciplinary book brings together a wide range of theoretical concepts and their empirical applications in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic, providing valuable insights into the social and psychological bases of a global crisis. Written by an esteemed author team consisting of psychologists and sociologists, the volume offers comprehensive coverage of various phenomena, including fear, risk, judgment, decision-making, threat and uncertainty, group identity and cohesion, social and institutional trust, and communication within the context of an international health emergency. The topics are organized into four main chapters, each focusing on the individual, group, social, and communication perspectives of the issues affecting or being affected by the pandemic. Drawing from over 740 classic and current peer-reviewed research references, the book contextualizes these topics with an epidemiological perspective discussed in the introduction.

The volume concludes with two special sections. The first chapter explores the cultural specificity of the social impact of pandemics, specifically focusing on Islam and Hinduism. The second chapter examines the cross-national differences in policy responses to the current health crisis.

Beyond serving as a valuable reference for academic research, this book offers practical solutions for short-term and long-term policy considerations aimed at combating adverse social, cognitive, and emotional consequences. It serves as an ideal resource for academics, policymakers, and individuals interested in understanding the social and psychological factors that shape individual reactions to pandemics, as well as in fields such as economics, management, politics, and medical care.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032183534