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Psychology's Marc Schulz on Emotions, Risks, Families, and COVID-19

July 7, 2020

A reporter with the Deseret News in Utah turned to Professor of Psychology Marc Schulz and other experts for some insight into why so many COVID-19 cases in the state and elsewhere can be traced back to family gatherings.

From the article:

“'Feelings often mess up our ability to make logical calculations about risk,' says Marc Schulz, a professor of psychology at Bryn Mawr College in Montgomery County, Pa.

Humans are poor estimators of risk, he says, pointing to people who fear airline travel, yet jump in their car without a second thought — even though driving is significantly more dangerous than flying.

Throw in emotions and things get complicated. This explains why people eager to see loved ones may be more willing to take on higher levels of risk, he says."

Read the full article on the Deseret News website.