Across the globe, we have seen the emergence of COVID-19 deniers and in the case of Guyana it has been no different. This, unfortunately has cost countless lives.
When Wuhan had its first out-break back in December, 2019, the world hoped that the virus would be contained to that city. We could never have fathomed how infectious this disease would become and how the WHO would be forced to label it a pandemic once it began to hit every territory on the planet.
In spite of the abundance of scientific evidence that’s has been made available and the guidelines and protocols by which countries have had to abide and implement to safeguard their citizens, many continue to believe that the virus is nothing but a hoax.
COVID -19 deniers have caused a major setback for the flattening of the curve of the virus because they choose to ignore scientific evidence and every logical explanation put forth to them and so they flout mandated regulations by not wearing masks and not practicing social distancing. As a result, the infection rate rapidly increases and the health care system becomes burdened.
You might ask how people can be so blind to something that is so real and in truth, the answer is not so simple. Every “denier” has his or her own reason for not believing the virus exists. And the study of psychology tells us that everyone has individual personalities and that everyone will react differently to events based on a variety of factors, which include but are not limited to our environment ( how we grew up ) and situations ( experiences that we go through ). These two very important factors determine how we deal with life changing events and in this case, how we choose to deal with a virus of this magnitude.
In light of this, the real question we should be asking is what causes people to hold irrational beliefs. What causes us to have unfounded attitudes , opinions and values that are not in synchrony with the way the world really is and why we respond negatively when faced with stressful events or situations.
A simple answer can be found in what we call emotional intelligence, which is a person’s ability to effectively use and manage their own emotions in positive ways so as to relieve stress, communicate effectively with others, and overcome challenges.
Emotional intelligence is commonly defined by four attributes:
1. Self-management – You’re able to control impulsive feelings and behaviours, manage your emotions in healthy ways, take initiative, follow through on commitments, and adapt to changing circumstances.
2. Self-awareness – You recognize your own emotions and how they affect your thoughts and behaviour. You know your strengths and weaknesses, and have self-confidence.
3. Social awareness – You have empathy. You can understand the emotions, needs, and concerns of other people, pick up on emotional cues, feel comfortable socially, and recognize the power dynamics in a group or organization.
4. Relationship management – You know how to develop and maintain good relationships, communicate clearly, inspire and influence others, work well in a team, and manage conflict.
Poor emotional intelligence, therefore, means that we are unable to manage our emotions, stressful situations and the way we communicate with others in a healthy and positive way. Those with poor emotional intelligence will make irrational decisions that will not only hurt themselves but those around them. So when we see people disregarding rules and not adhering to public health protocols, it is more than likely that they are unable to cope with stressful situations and so they engage in delinquent, reckless and antisocial behaviour.
Now that we understand the significant role that emotional intelligence plays in a person’s life, we should have a better idea of why so many people around the world continue to deny the existence of something that is so real.
Alicia Roopnaraine is a Psychologist at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation’s Psychiatric Department. You can send questions or comments to her at aliciaroopnaraine@gmail.com
