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COVID paper Vignoles Jaser Taylor Ntontis accepted version.pdf (635.33 kB)

Harnessing shared identities to mobilise resilient responses to the COVID-19 pandemic

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posted on 2023-06-09, 22:34 authored by Vivian VignolesVivian Vignoles, Zahira JaserZahira Jaser, Frankiebo Taylor, Evangelos Ntontis
Shared social identifications (family, community, nation, humanity) predict normative actions and psychological well-being, and can be invoked discursively by leaders to mobilise their followers. We illustrate the potential for harnessing shared identities to mobilise resilient public responses against COVID-19. Study 1, a discursive thematic analysis, contrasted Prime Minister Ardern’s use of identity-based rhetoric to mobilise New Zealanders, with Prime Minister Johnson’s use of individualistic appeals to the UK public. Study 2 explored which patterns of social identification predicted protective behaviours (personal hygiene, physical distancing), prosocial actions (helping proximal and distal others), and psychological wellbeing (mental wellbeing, depressive symptoms, anxiety), among 560 UK adults surveyed during lockdown. Our findings suggest how political leaders might beneficially use social identities in communications about extreme events.

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Accepted version

Journal

Political Psychology

ISSN

0162-895X

Publisher

Wiley

Volume

0

Page range

1-42

Department affiliated with

  • Psychology Publications

Full text available

  • Yes

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2021-01-07

First Open Access (FOA) Date

2021-02-23

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2021-01-07

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