Do people engage in more NPIs against disease in higher parasite stress countries?
Many studies link parasite stress – the infectious disease burden of a country – to a number of psychological dispositions that might have pathogen-neutralizing effects, including collectivism, openness to experience, extraversion, and religiosity. The degree to which these variables neutralize pathogens is debated. We will test whether behaviors with clearer pathogen-neutralizing properties are more prevalent in higher parasite stress countries. Examples include handwashing, coughing into the elbow, staying home while sick, avoiding eating food that has been dropped on the ground, and removing shoes when entering the home. We will further assess disapproval of others who do not engage in these behaviors. Finally, we will test whether parasite stress relates to behaviors that primarily protect others (e.g., coughing into the elbow) or behaviors that primarily protect the self (e.g., washing hands before eating).
