Thread by @orlamuldoon

Personal responsibility has become a defining feature of the government and NPHET’s advice. An approach that is now deeply embedded and deeply divisive. An approach not supported by available evidence /1
irishtimes.com/opinion/person…

4 reasons: 1. Personal action as key to prevention invariably results in criticism of those affected. This is the first step towards stigmatisation. It reduces the likelihood people will come forward for testing & ultimately increases transmission. /2 irishtimes.com/opinion/corona…

2. If people cannot follow guidelines due to life circumstances solidarity between leaders and their followers is undermined. And followers seek new sources of (mis)information and comfort from those that appear to share their concerns. 3/ apa.org/research/actio…

3. COVID spreads between individuals. Messages relying on personal responsibility make little sense. The most effective way of promoting to COVID19 protective measures is by emphasizing ‘we’ not ‘me’, the collective, not the personal. 4/ blogs.bmj.com/bmj/2021/06/29…

4. Public health policy that plays personal responsibility as a trump card, make opinions relevant. If the basis of health advice is built on evidence, then evidence matters. Uncoupling evidence from policy makes public health a political football. 5/ onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.11…

We know personal responsibility offers no solutions to the death/disability due to smoking and road accidents. To offer as solution to the greatest crisis of our times is a political choice: an abdication of political responsibility & leadership. 6/
irishtimes.com/opinion/person…

Thanks to @ReicherStephen @ProfJohnDrury @Karen_Douglas @PaulMaher10 @IslamBorinca @rolandimhoff @Quayle @AM_Foran @DrSJJay @dr_aisling_od amongst others for building the knowledge base.