THE design of face coverings people wear could make a difference to how well society functions during pandemics, new research suggests.

Dr Rotem Perach and Maliyana Limbu from the University of Sussex's school of psychology have discovered evidence showing that people respond more positively to others wearing a mask branded with a widely valued symbol.

The effect was at times even more pronounced when participants had their awareness of death heightened.

The researchers believe, therefore, that the design of face coverings could play an important role in promoting collective resilience should further variants of coronavirus emerge or during future pandemics.

Dr Perach said: "Sticking together as a society has played an important role in getting through the pandemic so far. Things like clapping for our carers or just checking in with our neighbours were of great comfort to millions of people.

"Our findings suggest that the design of the face masks we wear could also help with solidarity during such difficult times, particularly as we are constantly reminded of death during a pandemic like this."

Across three studies, the first of their kind, researchers found that gay or lesbian participants from the US reacted more positively to photos of people wearing a mask carrying a Pride symbol, with UK nationals showing more trust towards people in photos wearing face masks with an NHS rainbow.

Dr Perach said that the study showed that people take comfort in their shared culture when confronted with the inevitability of our own mortality.

He said: "Masks provided an interesting development because they are worn on our faces - a part of the body that is central to how we communicate - and because they are worn during pandemics when the importance of strong social bonds is even greater.

"We now intend to study further how it can best be deployed in the real world. This could be looking at how the particular mask a spokesperson is wearing when delivering a public health message affects its reception, or how the symbols on the masks of doctors and nurses impact how we behave in healthcare settings.

"We already see our politicians wearing face masks with the Union Jack or NHS rainbow. It will be interesting to learn more about the precise social impact a decision like that has."

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