COVID racism driven by more than fear of infection

COVID racism driven by more than fear of infection

Anti-Asian discrimination and violence increased during COVID, and new research from Murdoch University has revealed one key psychological driver. Rather than being driven by a fear of infection, aggressive forms of discrimination appeared to be more strongly associated with anger.

COVID Racism Fueled by Factors Beyond Just Fear of Infection

During the COVID-19 pandemic, a disturbing surge in anti-Asian discrimination and violence emerged globally, revealing complex psychological underpinnings beyond the initial fear of infection. Recent research conducted by Murdoch University’s School of Psychology sheds light on the motivational forces driving this phenomenon, notably highlighting the predominance of anger rather than mere pathogen avoidance as a fundamental driver of aggressive …