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21st December 2020
11:32am GMT
Since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, face masks have been encouraged - and in many places permitted - to reduce the spread of Covid-19.
However, of the many public health measures that have been implemented, it is the wearing of face masks which has arguably courted the most controversy.
Some have criticised their use as an affront to freedom and personal liberty. Numerous anti-mask protests have been held worldwide, including in London and Dublin. Public health officials have repeatedly stated that they are essential in reducing the spread of coronavirus, however.
A team of Brazilian scientists found that people who were non-compliant with safety measures such as wearing face masks showed "lower levels of empathy, and higher levels of callousness, deceitfulness, and risk-taking".
Taking a risk with your own health is quite something, let alone someone else's.
Scientists say: "Exposing oneself and others to risk, even when it can be avoided, is a typical trait for people with antisocial tendencies and with low levels of empathy".
The team of researchers called upon public health officials to do more to educate people.
"Our findings can be useful for public health policies.
"Through screenings that demonstrate an elevation in these (sociopathic) traits, interventions can be carried out aiming at greater awareness and consequent compliance with containment measures".Explore more on these topics:
