by Hiding the fact that you are sick with a contagious illness from those around you is a common behavior, according to a new study conducted by the University of Michigan. Published in the journal Psychological Science, the study sheds light on the prevalence and motivations behind the concealment of infectious illnesses.
The research highlights the trade-offs individuals make between societal norms, such as honesty and not harming others, and personal desires, such as pursuing their own goals and not worrying others. Lead author Wilson Merrell, a doctoral student in psychology at U-M, explains that people who are sick with infectious diseases often face negative social outcomes, such as exclusion, which leads them to take steps to conceal their situation from others.
The study analyzed data from 10 separate studies involving more than 4,100 individuals, including U.S. university students, healthcare employees, and online workers. The results showed that about 75% of participants reported concealing their illness in interpersonal interactions, potentially putting others at risk. Out of the healthcare employees included in the study, 61% admitted to taking active measures to cover up their illness or incorrectly using a mandatory app-based symptom screener, or expressed intentions to conceal in the future.
Merrell notes that motivations behind concealment were primarily social and achievement-oriented rather than driven by explicit institutional policies. Participants mentioned wanting to attend social events or complete work objectives as primary reasons for concealing their illness. However, very few participants cited lack of paid time off as a reason for concealment.
The study reveals that disease concealment is a widespread behavior that compromises the health and safety of others. Individuals who conceal their illnesses prioritize their own social goals over the potential risks they pose to others.
The characteristics of the disease, including its potential harm and immediacy, also influenced individuals’ decisions to conceal their illness. Healthy individuals predicted that they would be less likely to hide highly contagious illnesses with severe symptoms. However, individuals who were actively sick reported high levels of concealment regardless of the harm their illness could cause to others.
Institutions have attempted to address the issue of disease concealment, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some universities implemented mandatory app-based symptom screening tools for students entering campus buildings. However, the study found that approximately 41% of college students admitted to misusing the screener in an attempt to conceal their illness when they were not feeling well.
Merrell emphasizes that solutions to the problem of disease concealment may require more than just individual goodwill. Addressing this issue effectively will require a multi-faceted approach that considers the motivations behind concealment and focuses on creating a culture of transparency and prioritizing the health and safety of others.
Overall, the study highlights the need to raise awareness about the consequences of concealing contagious illnesses and to develop strategies that promote honesty and responsible behavior in order to protect public health.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
