The effects of emotional contagion on fear of contagion/ transmission in communicable diseases: emotional epidemic

Abstract

Purpose: Emotional contagion, which is known as individuals unknowingly experiencing similar emotions, may cause fear of contagion and transmission in the presence of communicable diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of emotional contagion on the fear of contracting or transmitting communicable diseases. Method: This study employed a mixed-methods approach, conducted in December 2022. The quantitative dimension of the study was completed with 509 students, and the qualitative dimension with 49 university students. Data were collected with emotional contagion and fear of contagion/transmission scales. Pearson Correlation and linear regression were used to analyze quantitative data. Qualitative data were analyzed using descriptive analysis. Results: The mean score of the emotional contagion scale was 2.96 ± 0.49, and the mean score of the fear of contagion/transmission scale was 89.65 ± 16.58. A weak positive correlation was found between emotional contagion and fear of contamination. It was found that emotional contagion predicts fear of infection/transmission at a statistically significant level, though with a low effect size (r = 0.29). A total of 16 main themes were reached in the qualitative dimension of the study. The themes were as follows: fear, a compulsory process, taking precautions, danger to society, not finding it scary, disruption in social life, importance of hygiene, maintaining social distance, use of masks, strengthening immunity, negative psychological impact, negative social impact, negative physical impact, turning to positive thoughts, uneasiness, fear of the future and a normal process. Conclusion: This study highlights the significance of emotional contagion in shaping the fear of contracting communicable diseases.