Psychology of Plagues, Pandemics, and Mass Death Events

The psychology of plagues, pandemics, and mass death events examines how humans react, cope, and adapt to crises that threaten their existence. These situations often trigger profound psychological and social responses as individuals confront mortality, loss, and uncertainty on a massive scale. To understand these reactions, psychologists use theories related to fear, grief, behavior change, and collective trauma.

Terror Management Theory (TMT)

Terror Management Theory (TMT) posits that humans are motivated to manage their anxiety about death by adhering to cultural beliefs, values, and worldviews that give life meaning and significance (Pyszczynski, Greenberg, & Solomon, 2015). In the context of a pandemic, reminders of death, like rising death tolls or visible signs of illness, can activate a fear of mortality. People might respond by reinforcing their beliefs, seeking social connection within their in-groups, and sometimes exhibiting hostility toward out-groups or those perceived as threats to their worldview. For instance, in studies on TMT, individuals reminded of their mortality were more likely to express prejudice and cling to familiar social norms, illustrating how existential fear can exacerbate divisions (Pyszczynski et al., 2015).

Collective Trauma

The concept of collective trauma, defined as a psychological impact shared across a community following a large-scale event, offers another perspective on how pandemics affect mental health. Mass death events, like the COVID-19 pandemic, disrupt social cohesion, leading to widespread fear, grief, and anxiety. According to Kai Erikson, collective trauma not only affects individuals but also fractures the fabric of society (Erikson, 1976). Prolonged exposure to loss and fear can lead to mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety. Collective trauma also fosters a sense of helplessness and mistrust in institutions if people feel that governmental or medical authorities have failed to protect them (Pfefferbaum & North, 2020).

Behavioral Immune System Theory

The Behavioral Immune System Theory (BIS) explains how humans may have evolved to avoid pathogens by developing certain behavioral responses. According to this theory, people exhibit behaviors such as social distancing, hygiene practices, and even prejudice against those they perceive as sick or different as a way to avoid infection (Schaller & Park, 2011). During a pandemic, this “behavioral immune response” may manifest as a heightened fear of contamination, which can lead to behaviors like excessive handwashing or avoidance of social interactions. Although these behaviors are adaptive in avoiding pathogens, they can also lead to discrimination or xenophobia toward groups mistakenly perceived as carriers of disease (Schaller & Park, 2011).

Grief and Bereavement in Mass Death Events

The grieving process during mass death events is distinct from typical bereavement due to the scope and nature of the losses. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross’s stages of grief—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance—are sometimes referenced to understand reactions to large-scale loss, though grief may not progress in a linear fashion (Kübler-Ross, 1969). Complicated grief may be more likely to occur during pandemics when people are unable to perform traditional mourning rituals or lack access to social support. In COVID-19, for example, many families were unable to hold funerals or participate in communal grieving, which are important for closure and emotional recovery (Wallace et al., 2020). Prolonged or unresolved grief can increase susceptibility to mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety.

Resilience and Post-Traumatic Growth

While pandemics are overwhelmingly challenging, they can also foster resilience and post-traumatic growth (PTG). PTG refers to positive psychological change that occurs following adversity. Tedeschi and Calhoun (2004) argue that facing a crisis can lead to a re-evaluation of life priorities, enhanced relationships, and personal growth. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, some individuals found new purpose or engaged in acts of kindness to help their communities. Research indicates that people who engage in meaning-making processes, such as reflecting on the positive aspects of hardship, experience higher levels of resilience and overall psychological well-being (Tedeschi & Calhoun, 2004).

Social Identity Theory and Stigmatization

Social Identity Theory provides insight into how people categorize others in pandemics, which can lead to stigmatization of specific groups. Tajfel and Turner (1979) proposed that people derive self-esteem and identity from their group affiliations, leading them to favor in-groups and discriminate against out-groups. During pandemics, this can manifest as blaming or ostracizing certain groups (e.g., the scapegoating of Chinese individuals at the onset of COVID-19) (Devakumar et al., 2020). Such stigmatization can harm public health efforts by discouraging affected groups from seeking medical help or participating in vaccination programs.

Conclusion

Understanding the psychological impact of pandemics and mass death events through these theories allows researchers and policymakers to anticipate and address the emotional and behavioral responses of populations. While these events heighten existential fears and can lead to negative behaviors like scapegoating or avoidance, they can also prompt resilience and growth. Approaches that address collective trauma, support social connection, and mitigate prejudice are critical for helping communities heal and adapt during times of widespread crisis.

References

• Devakumar, D., Shannon, G., Bhopal, S. S., & Abubakar, I. (2020). Racism and discrimination in COVID-19 responses. The Lancet, 395(10231), 1194.
• Erikson, K. (1976). Everything in its Path: Destruction of Community in the Buffalo Creek Flood. Simon and Schuster.
• Kübler-Ross, E. (1969). On Death and Dying. Scribner.
• Pfefferbaum, B., & North, C. S. (2020). Mental health and the COVID-19 pandemic. New England Journal of Medicine, 383(6), 510-512.
• Pyszczynski, T., Greenberg, J., & Solomon, S. (2015). Thirty years of terror management theory: From genesis to revelation. Advances in Experimental Social Psychology, 52, 1-70.
• Schaller, M., & Park, J. H. (2011). The behavioral immune system (and why it matters). Current Directions in Psychological Science, 20(2), 99-103.
• Tedeschi, R. G., & Calhoun, L. G. (2004). Posttraumatic growth: Conceptual foundations and empirical evidence. Psychological Inquiry, 15(1), 1-18.
• Wallace, C. L., Wladkowski, S. P., Gibson, A., & White, P. (2020). Grief during the COVID-19 pandemic: Considering the unique challenges of bereavement in pandemic contexts. Omega: Journal of Death and Dying.