ABSTRACT

Aspects of the relationship between mistrust, uncertainty and risk responses are examined. Identity Process Theory and Social Representation Theory are used to explain risk responses. The operation of mistrust, defined here as an active state of uncertainty about whether a source or its assertions are to be believed, is examined. Mistrust can also be a cognitive or emotional trait of a person, associated with being habitually suspicious, doubtful, or sceptical, and, as such, can be a preferred strategy for coping with threats to identity. The relationship between mistrust and uncertainty in shaping responses to health risks is examined. An illustration using media reporting of MMR vaccine hesitancy during 2019 is described. This indicated: politicians and health experts sometimes mistrust the public’s reaction to risk guidance; uncertainty once established is resilient against remediation; and, targeting of mistrust and blame is purposive.

摘要

研究了不信任，不确定性和风险应对之间的关​​系。身份过程理论和社会表征理论用于解释风险应对。对不信任的操作进行了检查，在这里，不信任的定义是关于是否相信来源或其主张的不确定性的活跃状态。不信任也可能是一个人的认知或情感特质，与习惯性可疑，可疑或怀疑有关，因此，它可能是应对身份威胁的首选策略。研究了不信任与不确定性之间的关系，这些不确定性影响了对健康风险的反应。描述了使用媒体报道2019年MMR疫苗犹豫情况的插图。这表明：政治家和卫生专家有时不信任公众对风险指导的反应；确定的不确定性可以抵御补救；并且，针对不信任和责备是有目的的。