Feeling bad about immunising our children.
Uptake of MMR vaccinations is as low as 60% in some parts of the UK. This poses a serious public health issue. This longitudinal study investigates parental decisions about MMR and single vaccinations. Parents (n=114) rated their perceptions of the benefits and risks of immunisation, and emotion-related variables; and were followed up to ask their final immunisation decision. Analyses demonstrated that parental decisions were explained by emotion-related variables, specifically anticipated responsibility and regret. It was concluded that parents' decisions about MMR are strongly influenced by the idea than harm that occurs as a result of deciding to immunise (commission) is less acceptable than harm that occurs as a result of deciding not to immunise (omission) (known as 'omission bias').
Wroe
Abigail L
AL
Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Kings College London, De Crespigny Park, Denmark Hill, London SE5 8AF, UK. a.wroe@iop.kcl.ac.uk
Bhan
Angela
A
Salkovskis
Paul
P
Bedford
Helen
H
D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008457:Measles / Q000517:prevention & control; D022542:Measles-Mumps-Rubella Vaccine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D009107:Mumps / Q000517:prevention & control; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology*; D012409:Rubella / Q000517:prevention & control; D012941:Social Responsibility; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D006113:United Kingdom; D014611:Vaccination / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*
D022542:Measles-Mumps-Rubella Vaccine