March 3, 2020

expert comments about panic buying

Comments on panic buying and stockpiling during an outbreak.

Dr Rachel McCloy, Associate Professor in Behavioural Science, University of Reading, said:

“Panic buying is often a consequence of our cognitive and emotional responses to uncertainty.  When we face uncertainty about the future, events can feel like they are out of our control – this can trigger negative emotions such as fear and anger – panic buying helps us to feel like we are doing something practical to prepare, helping us to regain that feeling of control, and reducing these negative emotions.

“However, when we are scared we don’t always make decisions that are rational and proportional to the existing risks, and it’s key to listen to experts in public health about the most effective actions that you can take at any point.  It’s not necessarily irrational to have some back up supplies of shelf stable food and medicines, but prioritising simple infection control actions (like handwashing) seems to be key right now, though that might not do as much to help people regaining the feeling of control.”

All our previous output on this subject can be seen at this weblink:

http://www.sciencemediacentre.org/tag/covid-19

The SMC also produced a Factsheet on COVID-19 which is available here:

https://www.sciencemediacentre.org/smc-novel-coronavirus-factsheet/

Declared interests

None received.