Impact of Media Information in the Development of Novel Coronavirus Symptoms without the Disease: Nocebo Phenomenon
Vinanthi Hegde
Department of PG Studies and Research in Psychology, Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara College( Autonomous) , Ujire, Affiliated to Mangalore University, Karnataka, India.
N. Maheshbabu *
Department of PG Studies and Research in Psychology, Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara College( Autonomous) , Ujire, Affiliated to Mangalore University, Karnataka, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Introduction: Nocebo works on the human belief system, believing that one can be infected with Covid can be understood by Nocebo.
Purpose: The purpose of this research study was to see if the media showing coronavirus news can influence the development of covid-19 symptoms without the disease.
Methods: This study adopted a Qualitative Research Design. For this study, 9 participants were interviewed. Thematic analysis was used for coding the data.
Results: Results of the study indicated that fear threat was noticed throughout the pandemic which aroused anxiety in their life which also included, fear of infection, loss of loved ones, and inaccessibility to various things. This fear threat seems to be aroused from the constant media influence, and there are studies that support the results.
Conclusion: The responses received from the participant indicated fear and anxiousness as major factor for developing the symptom.
Keywords: Nocebo, novel coronavirus, media