Human Values and Belief in Misleading Information about COVID-19

Abstract

Values are fundamental aspects of human psychology, permeated by the way individuals see themselves and aspire to be. This study aimed to evaluate the associations between human values and the belief in misleading information about COVID-19 in Brazil. A total of 238 participants completed three self-reporting questionnaires: one on Attitudes towards Coronavirus, another on Information Consumption, and the Portrait Values Questionnaire (PQV-21). The study revealed statistically significant correlations between the value of Tradition and the tendency to believe in misleading information. This suggests that individuals who prioritize maintaining the status quo are more likely to consume information that denies or mitigates the severity of the disease. Conversely, those who prioritize collectivist values tend to be more inclined to follow preventive and control measures. The study highlights the importance of developing assertive public health communication and guidance strategies, taking into account the influence of human values.

Keywords:
health; information; COVID-19; values