Hatred as a contagious disease: a biopsychosocial-ecological framework for understanding hatred as a public health crisis

Purpose This paper aims to reframe hatred as a socially contagious and biologically embedded condition with measurable health consequences. It aims to synthesize evidence across disciplines to conceptualize hatred as a public health threat and propose a framework for prevention and intervention. Design/methodology/approach This narrative review integrates evidence from psychology, neuroscience, trauma studies, epidemiology, public health and social science. Targeted database searches and synthesis of relevant literature were used to conceptualize hatred within a biopsychosocial–environmental and political framework. Findings Hatred exhibits disease-like characteristics, spreading interpersonally and intergenerationally through trauma, social learning and structural reinforcement. Exposure to hatred alters brain function, elevates stress responses and contributes to chronic disease and mental health disorders. It clusters in marginalized communities and is amplified by political rhetoric and institutional bias. An emphasis on implementing health-promoting policies may mitigate its spread. Research limitations/implications This review highlights that current research on the spread of hatred is limited by methodological, definitional and contextual gaps. Most studies are correlational, use inconsistent measures and focus on high-income or online settings. Despite these constraints, evidence suggests hatred spreads through identifiable social and structural mechanisms, supporting a public health approach to prevention. Future research should empirically test contagion dynamics through longitudinal and network-based studies, validate cross-cultural measurement tools and rigorously evaluate peace-promoting public health interventions across diverse global contexts through interdisciplinary collaboration. Originality/value To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first review to holistically frame hatred as a public health condition, integrating biological, psychological and social evidence. It contributes to health equity discourse by highlighting hatred’s role in exacerbating health disparities.