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Medical Report: The psychology behind COVID-19 denial

People associated with the far-right group America First attend an anti-vaccine protest in front of Gracie Mansion on Nov. 13, 2021, in New York City.
People associated with the far-right group America First attend an anti-vaccine protest in front of Gracie Mansion on Nov. 13, 2021, in New York City.
Stephanie Keith/Getty Images

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Psychologists have been studying COVID-19 denial, and theories are emerging about the issue.

During the peak of the pandemic, some individuals chose to continue traveling from state to state and argued against even the most logical advice to protect themselves and others. A significant number of people denied that COVID-19 even existed.


This has not surprised psychologists, though. Denial is a common tool used to fight feelings of anxiety. In many situations, it is a protection mechanism.

Another tool, rationalization, helps people cope. Those who rationalize accept certain facts but minimize the impact.

According to several new articles, this behavior is not unique to COVID-19 and has been seen during stressful events throughout time.

Get more medical reports from Dr. Brian McDonough.

​​KYW Newsradio's Medical Reports are sponsored by Independence Blue Cross.