When Toxic Ideas Infect Minds: Clinical Applications of the Science of Mental Immunity

Researchers have found that our minds have immune systems, just as our bodies do. But where bodily immune systems protect us from infectious microbes, mental immune systems protect us from infectious ideas. These systems function imperfectly, of course, so bad ideas frequently infect minds. Such ideas—which can be thought of as mind-parasites—range from the mundane (a mistaken belief about the risks of Covid vaccines) to the delusional (a cabal of Satan-worshipping pedophiles runs our nation). The emerging science of mental immunity affords exciting new ways to think about extremism, conspiracy thinking, science denial, and partisan division. It also points to promising antidotes, among them mind-inoculation techniques and better approaches to teaching critical thinking. I call the emerging science of mental immunity “cognitive immunology.” I think this science will play a critical role in protecting future generations from outbreaks of viral nonsense. To get there, though, we need to develop the science and apply its findings. That’s where psychologists and mental health professionals like you come in: you can integrate the insights of cognitive immunology into your clinical approach and help strengthen your clients’ mental immune systems. You can enhance their ability to spot dysfunctional ideas and equip them to shed assumptions that aren’t serving them well. The key is to employ clarifying questions in a particular way: a way that boosts mental immune health. In fact, clarifying questions are arguably the antibodies of the mind.

Upon completion of this session, participants should be better able to:

1. Describe how the mind’s immune system works
2. Identify ways that mental immune systems fail
3. List ways to enhance mental immune function

Introductory Level
The speaker has indicated they do not have any conflicts of interest.
The Minnesota Psychological Association is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The Minnesota Psychological Association maintains responsibility for this program and its content.