Illustration by Gregory Grinnell/Northeastern University

The Person Walking Past You Isn’t Wearing a Mask. What Should You Say?

Psychology Professor David DeSteno says that instead of confronting people for going against public health guidelines, it might be more fruitful to have a conversation that emphasizes how wearing a mask could help protect others at risk, and not just oneself.

Seeing other people engage in behaviors that might be harmful to others could evoke anger and frustration. But even when those feelings might compel people to turn into mask vigilantes, it’s best to focus on how those behaviors can help protect people who are more likely to develop complications. Don’t approach an uncovered face with hostility, DeSteno says.

To continue reading this article, click here. Originally published on News@Northeastern on May 15, 2020.

Psychology
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