Document Type

Research Paper

Publication Date

2022

Year of Award

2022

Date Assignment Submitted

2022

Abstract

In-depth interviews were conducted in September of 2021 with 15 Florida residents between the ages of 18-30 (8 males, 7 females). Our primary goal was to identify why these individuals choose not to wear face masks when required or highly recommended despite the potential legal, social, and health consequences. The researchers discovered that these individuals frame not wearing masks as physically harmless, and socially and legally acceptable. Specifically, these individuals justify their anti-masking actions using seven patterns arising from both their internal views and external influences. These patterns are: 1) Changing CDC mask wearing recommendations, 2) Mask wearing health consequences, 3) Denial of the severity of the virus, 4) Right to choose, 5) Florida living 6) Media influence, and 7) Others are not wearing masks. We discuss the limitations to the study and conclude with recommendations for those who are proud maskers in addition to a discussion providing further ideas for study.

Publisher

Lynn University

Conference/Symposium

Lynn University Student Research Symposium

Contest

Research Paper

Award

Honorable Mention

City/State

Boca Raton, FL

Department

College of Arts and Sciences

Instructor

Dr. Sanne Unger

Comments

Undergraduate students Cole Kessler and Lauren Toy won Honorable Mention in the 2022 Student Research Awards. Nominated by Dr. Sanne Unger.

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