COVID-19 | SPSP

The Scientific Establishment Crosses the Rubicon. What’s the Risk?

abstract illustration representing science and politics

Without the public’s trust, scientists have difficulty affecting policy and having an impact. With this in mind, we explored how endorsements of presidential candidates by scientific publications affected trust in science.

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Beyond Social Distancing: Six Psychological Ways to Defend Yourself against COVID-19

Image of woman meditating while wearing medical mask

We all have some control over the human body’s natural defense against COVID-19. It’s the immune system. Use it.

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Thinking Positive—or Thinking Magical?

Young asian artist woman wearing glasses holding pain brush with unicorns and rainbows doodles

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many Americans have embraced “the power of positive thinking.” Others seem to be relying on magical thinking. Both come at a cost.

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Four Deadly Myths about COVID-19

Young dark-skinned girl wearing protective fabric face mask below her nose

It’s not myths about hydroxychloroquine that are killing so many Americans in the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s myths grounded in normal human thinking.

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Women’s Leadership in the COVID-19 Crisis

Senior female political leader speaking at press conference

In times of crisis, many people seek out male leaders, but female governors have been excelling during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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COVID-19 Conspiracy Theories: Who Believes These Bonkers Stories?

A world-wide study takes a look at the kinds of people who tend to believe conspiracy theories about the pandemic.

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People can be convinced to practice social distancing if they believe it will protect others

Want to get someone to wear a mask or practice social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic? Argue that face coverings and keeping six-feet apart will protect others, says new research from Ball State University.

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What WAS that Masked Man Saying? How Wearing a Mask May Influence Our Interactions with Other People

Young man and woman with face masks chat in office

We know that masks can reduce COVID-19 transmission, but how are they affecting our ability to communicate with each other? A psychologist who studies how well people understand each other offers some speculations.

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Two Reasons Why COVID-19 May Help Donald Trump Get Re-elected

COVID-19 may help Trump for two reasons: COVID-19 is killing many more people in blue states than in red states, and death promotes political conservatism.

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Will the Pandemic Change Political Attitudes?

African Asian Caucasian women protest coronavirus epidemic

Science weighs in on whether the crisis caused by COVID-19 will likely lead to increased socialism, liberalism, conservatism, racism, and/or xenophobia.

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