COVID-19 Community
Published December 9, 2020 | Version v1.0.0
Journal Article Open

Effect of Face Masks on Interpersonal Communication During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Creators

  • 1. ROR icon Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
  • 2. ROR icon American University of Beirut
  • 3. ROR icon Northwestern University

Abstract

Interpersonal communication has been severely affected during the COVID-19 pandemic. Protective measures, such as social distancing and face masks, are essential to mitigate efforts against the virus, but pose challenges on daily face-to-face communication. Face masks, particularly, muffle sounds and cover facial expressions that ease comprehension during live communication. Here, we explore the role of facial expressions in communication and we highlight how the face mask can hinder interpersonal connection. In addition, we offer coping strategies and skills that can ease communication with face masks as we navigate the current and any future pandemic.

Other

original_citation: Mheidly N, Fares MY, Zalzale H, Fares J. Effect of Face Masks on Interpersonal Communication During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Frontiers in Public Health. 2020;8:6.

Acknowledgements

"We would like to thank Ms. Zahraa Zalzale for her help with the illustrations."

Files

fpubh-08-582191.pdf

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Additional details

Identifiers

PMID
33363081

Related works

Is related to
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2020.582191/full (URL)

Dates

Created
2020-12-09
When the item was originally created.