Psychology ETDs

Publication Date

Summer 8-1-2023

Abstract

Recent evidence suggests corroded trust in scientific institutions, but particularly among political conservatives. The current investigation examined the potential role of trust in conservative media sources by capturing associations between trust in politically-biased media sources, trust in science and scientists, and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. A total of 1,117 participants completed an online cross-sectional self-report study. Results revealed that: (1) the less trust respondents had in science and scientists, the greater their overall COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy (and perceived risks and fears of COVID-19 vaccines); and (2) the more respondents trusted conservative-leaning news media sources, the greater their overall COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy (and perceived risks and fears of COVID-19 vaccines). These findings suggest that the political skew of trusted media sources and trust in science and scientists may be important contributors towards individuals’ willingness to be vaccinated for COVID-19. Potential implications of these patterns are discussed.

Degree Name

Psychology

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

Psychology

First Committee Member (Chair)

Tania Reynolds, PhD

Second Committee Member

Sarah Erickson, PhD

Third Committee Member

Heidi Rogers, DNP, RN

Language

English

Keywords

COVID-19, vaccine hesitancy, trust in science, trust in media, media literacy, Ad Fontes

Document Type

Thesis

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