What Role Does Pathogen-Avoidance Psychology Play in Pandemics?

Abstract

A substantial body of research has illuminated psychological adaptations motivating pathogen avoidance, mechanisms collectively known as the behavioral immune system. Can knowledge about these mechanisms inform how people respond to widespread disease outbreaks, such as the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) [coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)] pandemic? We review evidence suggesting that the evolutionary history of the behavioral immune system, and the cues that activate it, are distinct in many ways from modern human experiences with pandemics. Moreover, the behaviors engaged by this system may have limited utility for combating pandemic diseases like COVID-19. A better understanding of the points of distinction and points of overlap between our evolved pathogen-avoidance psychology and responses to pandemics may help us realize a more precise and intervention-ready science.

Keywords: behavioral immune system; evolution; health; infectious disease; social psychology.

Figure 1

Key Features of Ancestral and Modern Contexts for Infectious Disease Spread.

Figure 2

Mismatches between Pathogen-Avoidance Responses and Respiratory Pandemic Factors.