Role Models and Theory of Mind: Teacher Vaccinations and Student Success

We provide experimental evidence that role models can galvanize pro-social actions amid global crises, exemplified by the COVID-19 pandemic. In a randomized control trial comparing role models, cash incentives, and celebrity endorsements, only role models successfully mitigated vaccine reluctance and ameliorated pandemic-induced educational setbacks. Monthly tracking of vaccination status was achieved via QR-code verified certificates. Theory-of-mind behavioral data on the mentalizing of others shed light on the mechanism underlying the role model effect. This research, the first from the Global South, shows how role models and theory-of-mind have the potential to play a valuable role in tackling global challenges.