Navigating the Psychology of Public Health and Behavior

In this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston explores the intersection of psychology and public health, particularly in the context of the pandemics and other new health challenges faced since 2020. She digs into why people engage in presenteeism, the role of loss aversion, and the influence of workplace culture. The episode further examines social norms and their impact on health behaviors, cognitive dissonance, denialism, and the spread of misinformation through media and social platforms. Groundbreaking research by various psychologists is discussed, alongside strategies for fostering better public health outcomes. Ultimately, the episode aims to unite individual and collective efforts for healthier communities and resilient societies.

00:00 Introduction to PsyberSpace
01:28 The Psychology of Presenteeism
05:21 Social Norms and Health Behaviors
09:54 Cognitive Dissonance in Health Decisions
14:36 Understanding Health Denialism
20:11 The Role of Media in Public Health
24:09 Strategies for Improving Public Health Compliance
27:17 Conclusion and Future Insights

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