Scientists in Brazil have linked resistance to Covid-19 security measures, such as wearing a mask, with the features of Anti-Social Personality Disorder.
Their study was the first of its kind in Latin America and surveyed over 1500 people aged 18-73.
Using a questionnaire, the scientists sought to identify their impulse to act on "feelings" evoked by another person and asked a series of personality questions about how certain statements represented their behavior.
The survey also asked about compliance with Covid-19 measures, such as wearing a mask.
During the analyzes, two profiles were identified: an antisocial profile, where people were resistant to Covid-19 security measures, and an empathy model profile.
The antisocial profile was associated with higher scores on personality questions related to "heartlessness, deception, hostility, impulsivity, irresponsibility, manipulation and risk-taking" which are typical of Antisocial Personality Disorder.
This group also had lower scores on affective resonance *.
The empathic model profile showed higher scores on affective resonance and lower scores on traits associated with Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD).
* Affective resonance is related to a person's tendency to experience the same impact or emotions as he sees an event that affects or emotionally affects someone else.
The team conducting the study said they hoped the findings would help convince health officials to do more to educate people and influence their policies.
As protests around the world have erupted over the wearing of masks, their effectiveness continues to be proven in a growing number of studies.
An international report published in The Lancet, which analyzed data from 172 studies in 16 countries, found that using a mask has only a 3% chance of catching Covid-19.
Source: The Independent
