The psychology of health and well-being in mass gatherings: A review and a research agenda

Abstract

Mass gatherings bring large numbers of people into physical proximity. Typically, this physical proximity has been assumed to contribute to ill health (e.g., through being stressful, facilitating infection transmission, etc.). In this paper, we add a new dimension to the emerging field of mass gatherings medicine. Drawing on psychological research concerning group processes, we consider the psychological transformations that occur when people become part of a crowd. We then consider how these transformations may have various consequences for health and well-being. Some of these consequences may be positive. For example, a sense of shared identity amongst participants may encourage participants to view others as a source of social support which in turn contributes to a sense of health and well-being. However, some consequences may be negative. Thus, this same sense of shared identity may result in a loss of disgust at the prospect of sharing resources (e.g., drinking utensils) which could, in turn, facilitate infection transmission. These, and related issues, are illustrated with research conducted at the Magh Mela (North India). We conclude with an agenda for future research concerning health practices at mass gatherings.

Core disgust is attenuated by ingroup relations

“…It is also important to examine whether lowered ingroup disgust has pernicious as well as positive consequences, leading to risky health behaviors (e.g., sharing food and drink) and increasing the possibility of disease transmission in groups (24). This is a particular concern in the emerging field of mass gatherings medicine (25,26).…”

A Place for Individuals: Positive Growth in Rwanda

“…There are also large-scale commemorative events where hundreds gather. These can have positive consequences, for example a sense of shared identity amongst participants may encourage them to view others as a source of social support which, in turn, contributes to a sense of health and wellbeing (Hopkins and Reicher 2016). Yet, because commemorative practices have such an important role and are government-led, there is a danger that individual stories become overshadowed or sidelined.…”

Risks threatening the health of people participating in mass gatherings: A systematic review

“…[6] The statistics throughout the world report various risks of MGs. Considering Hajj customs, 1426 individuals died in 1990, 270 in 1994, 118 in 1998, 35 in 2001, 14 in 2003, 251 in 2004, and 3 in 2000 from thirty countries.…”