Browsing by Author "Venter, Zander"

Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Exploring experiences of intergroup conflict among COVID-19 vaccination groups
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2024-03) Venter, Zander; Salie, Mariam; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Department of Psychology.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Introduction: The COVID-19 vaccine has stirred up a noticeable divide between those who have been vaccinated and those who have not. As a result, new social groups have emerged based on vaccination status, and this status has become a shared identity with realworld consequences. Research indicates that identifying as part of a vaccination group can lead to intergroup behaviours, such as favouritism towards one's own group and bias against others. Additionally, international studies have reported tension between vaccinated and unvaccinated groups, with instances of stigmatisation and discrimination towards the latter. This study aims to delve into the experiences of intergroup conflict among three COVID-19 vaccination groups, namely Vaccine Acceptant, Resistant and Hesitant groups, building upon the scarce qualitative literature currently available on the subject. Methods: Twenty-two participants were recruited using purposive and snowball sampling methods. Semi-structured interviews were conducted via Microsoft Teams, a video conferencing software, for 30-60 minutes between November 2022 and March 2023. The interviews were recorded, transcribed and then analysed using thematic analysis. ATLAS.ti, a computer-assisted qualitative data analysis software, aided the data analysis process. Findings: The findings were presented in two main sections. The first section described the three groups that participated in the study, focusing on highlighting the common motivations, values, and beliefs discussed among the participants in each group. The second section highlighted the main themes associated with the experiences of intergroup conflict. The second section comprised of six themes and nineteen sub-themes. The six themes were: (1) Negative out-group perceptions, (2) In-group perceptions and favouritism, (3) The expressions and manifestations of intergroup conflict, (4) Barriers and accelerators, (5) Consequences and impacts of intergroup conflict, (6) Cooperation and conflict management strategies. The study found that the participants held negative perceptions towards individuals outside their own COVID-19 vaccination group , while favouring their own group. Many participants reported feeling pressure, judgement, and stigma related to their vaccination attitudes. Additionally, the participants viewed vaccination policies as a form of coercion and a violation of their human rights, which had detrimental effects on their well-being. The study also revealed that intergroup conflicts negatively impacted several interpersonal relationships and increased the participants' identification with their own groups. To reduce conflict, participants avoided direct confrontations and expressed the importance of respecting out-group opinions on the vaccine. Discussion: There is a need to understand vaccination attitudes as a group identity that can contribute towards a positive social identity. The study showed that participants attempted to positively differentiate their own group from other vaccination groups to enhance their self-esteem. The tension and conflict between COVID-19 vaccination groups transpired into experiences of pressure, judgement, and stigma, particularly among hesitant and resistant groups. Understanding these experiences is essential to implement strategies to minimise conflict. Enhancing intergroup cooperation has important implications from a public health perspective and may increase vaccine acceptance. Social Identity Theory (SIT) provides valuable insights into the intergroup conflict between vaccination groups and may inform strategies to reduce intergroup conflict and increase vaccine acceptance.