Very interesting article. As a person who's against vaccines I would say a lot of antivaccine people are partly driven by emotions. They feel wronged, manipulated, and against an establishment whose science can be twisted as well as their motives.
Therefore, the emotional appeal is a more effective method in persuading them. Now, I personally believe that vaccines are not safe nor effective but I'm not trying to have a discussion about this now. I'm merely contributing to “How to change minds” from an antivax point of view :D
Here are my tips:
- Start emotionally and end scientifically: listen to these parents, understand their points of view. Show them that yes their concerns are real. They are not just part of a consipracy cult. Then show them the science, the numbers. This way they are more open to listening to you.
2. Make compromises: instead of making vaccines sound like the perfect medicine (we all know no medicine is perfect). Be willing to admit that yes vaccines can have some adverse side effects like any medicine does. Maybe it’s okay to tell them that mercury is present in some vaccines and ideally it shouldn’t. Maybe it’s okay to tell them about failed vaccines: Anthrax and the gulf war syndrome, HPV vaccines and adverse reactions. Then assure them it’s not the same. This way they feel like there is a dialogue
3. Educate yourself: know where these parents get their ideas from. The internet is full of them. Steemit is a place where you can find many anti vaccine posts. Be a step ahead. In the end we all get our vaccines information online.
4. Most importantly: step out of your healthcare provider role and talk to them on the same level. Saying “I’m presenting truth to you” can sound condescending. Trying to explain a psychological basis to their views is a sure way to shutting their minds too.
Thanks a lot
Thank you so very much for your perspective. I appreciate you being able to approach this from a philosophical viewpoint. It's like I said in my post. Most of the parents I encounter who dont vaccinate their children only want what is best for them. I will continue reading over your very well thought out comment and ponder it further!
I respect your reply @lifeaef. I feel like I have really tried this approach with people I love, but they are unwilling to make ANY concessions from their antivax standpoints.
I also tried to follow their research, but began to to feel like I could spend a lifetime responding to their "research" and it wouldn't change any opinions. If I go from an emotional angle I am told that is just an emotional angle, so the argument is not valid.
I guess everyone perceives and evaluates risks differently, and some people will never change their mind.