Facing the inevitable: A psychological and social analysis of reactions to epidemics

Type :

Term papers

Pages :

6 pages

Format :

.doc

Published date :

04/07/2009

Category :

Social studies

Sub category :

Psychology

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Summary :

Abstract
Introduction
Social upheaval as a reaction to epidemics
Religious responses to epidemics
Placing blame in the face of epidemics
Epidemics and the media
Conclusion
Future directions
Bibliography

Abstract

In light of the growing threat of the avian flu, we thought it would be useful to investigate the psychological coping mechanisms that people employ to deal with pandemics and to try to minimize chaos by predicting these responses. Using historical accounts of epidemics, we concluded that responses can be characterized by a need to deal with the trauma of death and disease. psychological coping mechanisms for dealing with this trauma include: projection, denial, rationalization and displacement. These coping mechanisms manifest themselves in instances of social upheaval, religious revivals, scapegoating of minority groups, and sensationalization by the media. We propose that the best way to minimize adverse social reactions in this media-centered society, is to use the media to encourage more reality-oriented psycho-social responses that would minimize chaos.