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
Recommended Citation
Kessler, Cole and Toy, Lauren, "A Study on Anti-Maskers" (2022). Student Publications, Presentations, and Projects. 77.
https://spiral.lynn.edu/studentpubs/77
Comments
Undergraduate students Cole Kessler and Lauren Toy won Honorable Mention in the 2022 Student Research Awards. Nominated by Dr. Sanne Unger.