A social identity perspective on COVID-19: Health risk is affected by shared group membership

Abstract

In the face of a novel infectious disease, changing our collective behaviour is critical to saving lives. One determinant of risk perception and risk behaviour that is often overlooked is the degree to which we share psychological group membership with others. We outline, and summarize supporting evidence for, a theoretical model that articulates the role of shared group membership in attenuating health risk perception and increasing health risk behaviour. We emphasize the importance of attending to these processes in the context of the ongoing response to COVID-19 and conclude with three recommendations for how group processes can be harnessed to improve this response.

Keywords: behaviour change; group processes; health risk perception; risk taking; trust.

Figure 1

A social identity model of health risk taking. This conceptual framework summarizes key pathways through which social identities shape risk perception and engagement in risk behaviours that contribute to the spread of infectious disease. Adapted from Cruwys, Greenaway, et al. (2020).

Figure 2

People attended art events that posed a health risk for longer when they identified with fellow attendees (Cruwys, Greenaway et al., 2020). This is consistent with experimental evidence that suggests that we perceive health risks to be lower when they arise from ingroup, rather than outgroup, members. Note: Image of 150.Action supplied by Hermann Nitsch/Dark Mofo. [Colour figure can be viewed at wileyonlinelibrary.com]