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Salvati M, Pellegrini V, De Cristofaro V, Giacomantonio M. What is hiding behind the rainbow plot? The gender ideology and LGBTQ+ lobby conspiracies (GILC) scale. BRITISH JOURNAL OF SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2024; 63:295-318. [PMID: 37606152 DOI: 10.1111/bjso.12678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
Previous literature on conspiracy beliefs has an important gap, as it has almost completely excluded conspiracy beliefs relating to LGBTQ+ people. The purpose of the present research was to develop and validate a specific tool to measure the Gender Ideology and LGBTQ+ Lobby Conspiracies Beliefs: the GILC scale. Two independent data collections (Ntot = 1.908) were run involving both heterosexual and gay, lesbian and bisexual people. We expected a mono-factorial structure of the tool, with high levels of internal reliability, invariant by respondents' gender, sexual orientation and previous knowledge or hearsay of gender ideology. Furthermore, we expected that GILC scale manages to measure a differentiated construct: (a) compared to other specific and general conspiracy contents; (b) compared to a generic disposition to engage in conspiratorial mentality; (c) compared to existing measures of sexual prejudice, stereotypes and negative attitudes towards sexual minority people. In relation to criterion validity, we expected that several psychosocial and socio-political ideology variables (i.e. RWA and SDO), would associate with high levels in GILC scale. The results confirmed our expectations, showing that GILC scale is a short tool which include nine items with a mono-factorial structure and with excellent psychometric properties. Limitations and further research directions are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Salvati
- Department of Human Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Valerio Pellegrini
- Department of Social and Developmental Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria De Cristofaro
- Department of Social and Developmental Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Giacomantonio
- Department of Social and Developmental Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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2
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Alfasi Y. Conspiracy beliefs explain why intolerance of uncertainty, personal control, and political uncontrollability predict willingness to get vaccinated against COVID-19. THE JOURNAL OF SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2023:1-14. [PMID: 37996393 DOI: 10.1080/00224545.2023.2286592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Conspiracy theories tend to be disseminated in times when anxiety and uncertainty prevail. Thus, the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic was fertile ground for the dissemination of conspiracy theories. The current study examined the role of conspiracy belief in the association between individual differences in perceptions of lack of control and certainty, and willingness to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Participants (N = 323) completed measures of willingness to get vaccinated, belief in COVID-19 vaccines conspiracy, intolerance of uncertainty (IOU), perceived personal control, and political uncontrollability. Results show that conspiracy beliefs mediated the positive association between perceived personal control and willingness to get vaccinated, and the negative association between political uncontrollability and willingness to get vaccinated. Additionally, conspiracy belief had a suppression effect on the association between IOU and willingness to get vaccinated. These findings indicate that uncertainty and sense of lack of control heighten the need for an explanation that offers some degree of clarity, which in turn is related to adoption of conspiracy theories and may consequently have negative effects on health behavior.
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3
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Stojanov A, Hannawa A. Validating a German Version of the Conspiracy Mentality Scale (CMS). J Pers Assess 2023; 105:691-701. [PMID: 36507630 DOI: 10.1080/00223891.2022.2149408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Increased scientific interest in conspiracy beliefs raises the need for validated individual difference measures in the general tendency to believe in conspiracy theories, otherwise referred to as conspiracy mentality. In this article, we present a German language version of the Conspiracy Mentality Scale (CMS). A representative sample of German-speaking Swiss residents (N = 468) filled in the scale, along with measures of trust in several sources of information, need for social validation, compliance with Covid-19 preventive measures, perceived severity of the pandemic, loneliness, functional literacy and interpersonal conflict. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the two-dimensional structure of the original scale. Positive correlations between conspiracy theory ideation and trust in friends and the need for social validation on the one hand, and negative correlations with trust in scientific publications and scientific experts, perceived severity of the pandemic and functional literacy on the other hand supported construct validity. We conclude that our German language version of the scale is a valid measure of conspiracy theory ideation and skepticism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Stojanov
- Higher Education Development Centre, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Annegret Hannawa
- Faculty of Communication, Culture & Society, Università della Svizzera italiana (USI), Lugano, Switzerland
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Klein G, Delegach M. Charismatic Leadership Is Not One Size Fits All: The Moderation Effect of Intolerance to Uncertainty and Furlough Status During the COVID-19 Pandemic. JOURNAL OF LEADERSHIP & ORGANIZATIONAL STUDIES 2023; 30:297-313. [PMID: 38602983 PMCID: PMC10196684 DOI: 10.1177/15480518231176231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
This study aims to examine the effect of charismatic leadership on followers' attitudinal, emotional, and well-being outcomes in a crisis setting. Combining leadership literature with Conservation of Resources and leader-follower distance theories, we propose that the effect of charismatic leadership on follower outcomes depends on the interplay between the follower's furlough status during the lockdown period and their Intolerance to Uncertainty (IU) dispositional characteristic. A cross-sectional study was conducted at two points in time: during the first lockdown (March-April 2020) and four months after the lockdown (August 2020). The final sample included 336 employees with data for both points in time (n = 199 continued to work during the lockdown, n = 137 were on furlough). The findings confirmed the study's hypotheses and revealed that charismatic leadership significantly contributed to employee outcomes only in the case of furloughed employees with low levels of IU and of continuously-employed employees with high levels of IU. It did not make a similar contribution in the edge cases-employees with low IU levels who continued to work during the lockdown or those with high levels of IU who were furloughed. This study provides novel insights into the relationship between charismatic leadership effectiveness and follower outcomes, and informs managers how to better adjust their leadership style to their followers in a crisis setting. The findings extend our knowledge about charismatic leadership by suggesting the mutual contribution of the distance dimension and employee dispositional characteristics as a boundary condition to charismatic leadership effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Galit Klein
- The Department of Economic and Business Administration, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
| | - Marianna Delegach
- The Human Resource Management Department, Sapir Academic College, D.N. Hof Ashkelon Israel
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5
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Giancola M, Palmiero M, D’Amico S. Dark Triad and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy: the role of conspiracy beliefs and risk perception. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2023:1-13. [PMID: 37359671 PMCID: PMC10064627 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-023-04609-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
With the spread of the Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the mass vaccination plan represents the primary weapon to control the infection curve. Unfortunately, vaccine hesitancy also spread out worldwide. This led to exploring the critical factors that prevent vaccination from improving the efficacy of vaccine campaigns. In the present study, the role of the Dark Triad (psychopathy, Machiavellianism, and narcissism) in vaccine hesitancy was investigated, considering the sequential mediating effects of conspiracy beliefs and risk perception. Via a cross-sectional design, the study was conducted with 210 participants surveyed using an online questionnaire to assess the Dark Triad, vaccine hesitancy, conspiracy beliefs, risk perception, and a set of demographic and socio-cultural control variables. Results showed that conspiracy beliefs and risk perception fully mediated the association between the Dark Triad and vaccine hesitancy. This finding suggested that albeit personality accounts for individual differences in human behaviour, vaccine hesitancy is also affected by irrational and false beliefs that, in turn, weaken the risk perception associated with COVID-19. Implications and future research directions were discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Giancola
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
| | | | - Simonetta D’Amico
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
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6
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Cohen DB, Saling LL, Lee E, Zagura A. Moral, self-interested, and social motivation each predict compliance with social distancing rules: utilitarianism is an indirect positive predictor. BMC Psychol 2023; 11:85. [PMID: 36991517 PMCID: PMC10054198 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-023-01093-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social distancing rules have proven to be essential in reducing the spread of COVID-19. However, we can optimise these rules if we identify factors which predict compliance. Thus, in this study we investigated whether compliance with distancing rules is predicted by whether an individual is motivated by moral, self-interested, or social reasons. We also investigated the impact of an individual's utilitarian orientation both on compliance itself and on reasons for compliance. METHODS Our sample consisted of 301 participants recruited from four US states - California, Oregon, Mississippi, and Alabama - who completed an anonymous online survey. Six vignettes describing hypothetical social distancing rules were developed for the study. Participants indicated (i) how likely they were to violate each hypothetical distancing rule, (ii) how morally wrong violating each rule would be, (iii) how much risk of contracting COVID-19 they would tolerate in order to violate each rule, and (iv) how much social condemnation they would tolerate in order to violate each rule. Based on these responses, we gauged each participant's overall degree of compliance with social distancing rules as well as the extent to which each participant's compliance is motivated by moral, self-interested, and social reasons. We also measured other variables that could affect compliance including personality, level of religiosity, and inclination to engage in utilitarian reasoning. Multiple regression and exploratory structural equation modelling were used to determine predictors of compliance with social distancing rules. RESULTS We found that moral, self-interested, and social motivation each positively predicted compliance, with self-interested motivation being the strongest predictor. Furthermore, utilitarian orientation indirectly predicted compliance, with moral, self-interested, and social motivation as positive mediating factors. No controlled covariates (personality factors, religiosity, political orientation, or other background variables) predicted compliance. CONCLUSION These findings have implications not only for the design of social distancing rules but also for efforts to ensure vaccine uptake. Governments need to consider how to harness moral, self-interested, and social motivation to promote compliance, perhaps by co-opting utilitarian reasoning, which positively influences these motivational forces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel B Cohen
- School of Social Work and Arts, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW, 2678, Australia.
| | - Lauren L Saling
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia
| | - Eunro Lee
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia
| | - Anabella Zagura
- School of Social Work and Arts, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW, 2678, Australia
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Gioia F, Imperato C, Boursier V, Franceschini C, Schimmenti A, Musetti A. The role of defense styles and psychopathological symptoms on adherence to conspiracy theories during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sci Rep 2023; 13:3482. [PMID: 36859511 PMCID: PMC9976667 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-30531-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to the unpredictability of the COVID-19 pandemic situation, individuals felt uncertain and insecure. As a consequence, conspiracy theories flourished and quickly spread. In the current study, we examine the relationship between general and COVID-19-related conspiracy theories, cognitive reflection, psychopathological symptoms, and defense styles in a sample of Italian adults. A total of 450 participants (50.2% male; mean age = 40.89 years, SD = 12.15) took part in an online survey. Two linear regression models on the general (explained variance 22.6%) and COVID-19-related (explained variance 33.0%) conspiracy theories have been tested. Among the predictive factors, older age, mania symptoms, and immature defenses facilitate adherence to conspiracy theories; on the opposite side, higher education, cognitive reflection, and mature defenses protected from adherence to conspiracy theories. The study provides some novel findings about factors that are significantly associated with general and COVID-19-related conspiracy theories, and highlights the pivotal role of individuals' psychological defenses in conspiracy theories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Gioia
- grid.4691.a0000 0001 0790 385XDepartment of Humanities, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Chiara Imperato
- grid.10383.390000 0004 1758 0937Department of Humanities, Social Sciences and Cultural Industries, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Valentina Boursier
- grid.4691.a0000 0001 0790 385XDepartment of Humanities, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Christian Franceschini
- grid.10383.390000 0004 1758 0937Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Adriano Schimmenti
- grid.440863.d0000 0004 0460 360XFaculty of Human and Social Sciences, UKE-Kore University of Enna, Enna, Italy
| | - Alessandro Musetti
- Department of Humanities, Social Sciences and Cultural Industries, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.
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8
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Pilch I, Turska-Kawa A, Wardawy P, Olszanecka-Marmola A, Smołkowska-Jędo W. Contemporary trends in psychological research on conspiracy beliefs. A systematic review. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1075779. [PMID: 36844318 PMCID: PMC9945548 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1075779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The number of psychological studies on conspiracy beliefs has been systematically growing for about a dozen years, but in recent years, the trend has intensified. We provided a review covering the psychological literature on conspiracy beliefs from 2018 to 2021. Halfway through this period, the COVID-19 pandemic broke out, accompanied by an explosion of movements based on conspiracy theories, intensifying researchers' interest in this issue. Methods Adhering to PRISMA guidelines, the review systematically searched for relevant journal articles published between 2018 and 2021. A search was done on Scopus and Web of Science (only peer-reviewed journals). A study was included if it contained primary empirical data, if specific or general conspiracy belief(s) were measured and if its correlation with at least one other psychological variable was reported. All the studies were grouped for the descriptive analysis according to the methodology used, the participants' characteristics, the continent of origin, the sample size, and the conspiracy beliefs measurement tools. Due to substantial methodological heterogeneity of the studies, narrative synthesis was performed. The five researchers were assigned specific roles at each stage of the analysis to ensure the highest quality of the research. Results Following the proposed methodology, 308 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility and 274 articles (417 studies) meeting the inclusion criteria were identified and included in the review. Almost half of the studies (49.6%) were conducted in European countries. The vast majority of the studies (85.7%) were carried out on samples of adult respondents. The research presents antecedents as well as (potential) consequences of conspiracy beliefs. We grouped the antecedents of conspiracy beliefs into six categories: cognitive (e.g., thinking style) motivational (e.g., uncertainty avoidance), personality (e.g., collective narcissism), psychopathology (e.g., Dark Triad traits), political (e.g., ideological orientation), and sociocultural factors (e.g., collectivism). Conclusion and limitations The research presents evidence on the links between conspiracy beliefs and a range of attitudes and behaviors considered unfavorable from the point of view of individuals and of the society at large. It turned out that different constructs of conspiracy thinking interact with each other. The limitations of the study are discussed in the last part of the article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irena Pilch
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Institute of Psychology, University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Turska-Kawa
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Institute of Political Science, University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland,*Correspondence: Agnieszka Turska-Kawa,
| | - Paulina Wardawy
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Institute of Psychology, University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
| | - Agata Olszanecka-Marmola
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Institute of Political Science, University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
| | - Wiktoria Smołkowska-Jędo
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Institute of Psychology, University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
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9
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Maftei A. The indirect effect of compassion on katagelasticism: the mediatiang role of moral disengagement and the moderating effect of intolerance of uncertainty. BMC Psychol 2023; 11:26. [PMID: 36703187 PMCID: PMC9877495 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-023-01063-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The junction between moral psychology, humor, and some specific personality variables (i.e., uncertainty intolerance and compassion toward others) has been a neglected field of study. The present research explored the role of moral disengagement and intolerance of uncertainty in the relationship between compassion and katagelasticism. The sample was formed by 763 adults aged 18 to 70 (M = 24.62, SD = 8.29, 73.9% women). The findings suggested significant negative associations between compassion and moral disengagement and positive correlations between katagelasticism, moral disengagement, and intolerance of uncertainty. Furthermore, moral disengagement mediated the link between compassion and katagelasticism, while intolerance of uncertainty moderated the link between compassion and moral disengagement. Significant gender differences were also suggested concerning all our study's primary variables, with women scoring higher in the compassion and intolerance of uncertainty and significantly lower than men in the moral disengagement and katagelasticism dimensions. The results are discussed regarding their theoretical and practical implications related to moral disengagement and the underlying personal factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Maftei
- grid.8168.70000000419371784Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, Iasi, Romania
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10
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Ranieri V, Kamboj SK, Edwards SJL. Perceived coercion, perceived pressures and procedural justice arising from global lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic: A scoping review. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0001250. [PMID: 36962987 PMCID: PMC10019622 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
This aim of this scoping review is to map what is known about perceived coercion, perceived pressures and procedural justice within the context of the general population's experience of 'lockdowns' imposed by governments worldwide in response to the increased transmission of COVID-19. Arksey & O'Malley's (2005) framework for conducting scoping reviews was chosen. A sensitive search strategy was devised and conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science using the following search terms: (adherence OR acceptance OR agreement OR trust OR distrust OR compliance OR willing*) OR (perceived coerc* OR percept* coerc* OR pressure OR force OR influence OR control OR threat OR justice) AND (lockdown) AND (COVID OR SARS-CoV-2 OR COVID-19). The database search initially produced 41,628 articles to screen. A total of 40 articles were included in this review and the following five themes were identified from the studies: perceived acceptability and willingness to adhere to lockdown; perceived control during lockdown; perceived pressures arising from lockdown; perceived threat of sanction from others and the procedural (in)justice of lockdown. Our synthesis suggests that i) individuals experienced an initial willingness and tolerance of lockdown that lessened over time as perceptions of personal control decreased; ii) that social influences may pressure individuals to follow or break lockdown rules; and iii) that justifiability and proportionality together with individuals' perceptions of harm from COVID-19 may impact the extent to which individuals adhere to lockdown. Furthermore, the review found an absence of information regarding specific individual characteristics and circumstances that increase the likelihood of experiencing perceived coercion and its related constructs and highlights a need for a better understanding of the cultural and socioeconomic factors affecting perceptions of, and adherence to, lockdown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Ranieri
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Science, Technology, Engineering and Public Policy (STEaPP), University College London, London, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Sunjeev K. Kamboj
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah J. L. Edwards
- Department of Science, Technology, Engineering and Public Policy (STEaPP), University College London, London, United Kingdom
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11
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Bagozzi RP, Mari S, Oklevik O, Xie C. Responses of the public towards the government in times of crisis. BRITISH JOURNAL OF SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2023; 62:359-392. [PMID: 35950573 PMCID: PMC10087602 DOI: 10.1111/bjso.12566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
We experimentally investigate how and when the public responds to government actions during times of crisis. Public reactions are shown to follow different processes, depending on whether government performs in exemplary or unsatisfactory ways to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 'how' question is addressed by proposing that negative moral emotions mediate public reactions to bad government actions, and positive moral emotions mediate reactions to good government actions. Tests of mediation are conducted while taking into account attitudes and trust in the government as rival hypotheses. The 'when' question is studied by examining self-regulatory moderators governing the experience of moral emotions and their effects. These include conspiracy beliefs, political ideology, attachment coping styles and collective values. A total of 357 citizens of a representative sample of adult Norwegians were randomly assigned to two experimental groups and a control group, where complaining, putting pressure on the government and compliance to Covid-19 policies were dependent variables. The findings show that negative moral emotions mediate the effects of government doing badly on complaining and pressuring the government, with conspiracy beliefs moderating the experience of negative moral emotions and attachment coping moderating the effects of negative moral emotions. The results also show that positive moral emotions mediate the effects of government doing well on compliance with COVID-19 regulations, with political ideology moderating the experience of positive moral emotions and collective values moderating the effects of positive moral emotions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard P Bagozzi
- Ross School of Business, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Silvia Mari
- Department of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milano, Italy
| | - Ove Oklevik
- Department of Business Administration, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Hordaland, Norway
| | - Chunyan Xie
- Department of Business Administration, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Bergen, Norway
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12
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Salvador Casara BG, Filippi S, Suitner C, Dollani E, Maass A. Tax the élites! The role of economic inequality and conspiracy beliefs on attitudes towards taxes and redistribution intentions. BRITISH JOURNAL OF SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2023; 62:104-118. [PMID: 35758713 PMCID: PMC10084418 DOI: 10.1111/bjso.12555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Taxation is one of the most widely acknowledged strategies to reduce inequality, particularly if based on progressivity. In a high-powered sample study (N = 2119) we investigated economic inequality and conspiracy beliefs as two key predictors of tax attitude and support for progressive taxation. We found that participants in the high economic inequality condition had lower levels of tax compliance and higher levels of conspiracy beliefs and support for progressive taxation. Furthermore, the effect of the experimental condition on tax compliance was mediated by conspiracy beliefs. Finally, conspiracy belief scores were positively associated with support for progressive taxation. Our results provide evidence that attitudes towards taxation are not monolithic but change considering the aims and targets of specific taxes. Indeed, while the perception of economic inequality prompts the desire for equal redistribution, it also fosters conspiracy narratives that undermine compliance with taxes.
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13
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Cannito L, Ceccato I, Bortolotti A, Di Crosta A, La Malva P, Palumbo R, Di Domenico A, Palumbo R. Exploring vaccine hesitancy: the twofold role of critical thinking. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022:1-9. [PMID: 36590014 PMCID: PMC9795421 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-04165-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
With the progress of the vaccination campaign against the SARS-COV-2, we are ever closer to reaching that part of the population that refuses or is hesitant about vaccination. This study investigated the association between critical thinking motivation factors (i.e., intrinsic value of critical thinking and expectancy of one's critical thinking ability), conspiracy mentality, intolerance of uncertainty and hesitancy toward vaccination. A sample of 390 participants completed an online survey during April 2021. Across participants, results indicate that conspiracy mentality and expectancy about personal ability as a critical thinker positively predict vaccine hesitancy. On the contrary, the intrinsic value attributed to critical thinking, intolerance of uncertainty, and education are negatively associated with hesitancy. While the findings confirm existing evidence, particularly on the detrimental role of conspiracy mentality on vaccine acceptance, they also shed light on the double-faced role exercised by critical thinking. Practical implications and future directions are discussed. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12144-022-04165-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loreta Cannito
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Health and Territory, University G. d’Annunzio of Chieti - Pescara, 66100 Chieti Scalo, Italy
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University G. d’Annunzio of Chieti - Pescara, Via dei Vestini, 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Irene Ceccato
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Health and Territory, University G. d’Annunzio of Chieti - Pescara, 66100 Chieti Scalo, Italy
| | - Alessandro Bortolotti
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University G. d’Annunzio of Chieti - Pescara, 66100 Chieti Scalo, Italy
| | - Adolfo Di Crosta
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Health and Territory, University G. d’Annunzio of Chieti - Pescara, 66100 Chieti Scalo, Italy
| | - Pasquale La Malva
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Health and Territory, University G. d’Annunzio of Chieti - Pescara, 66100 Chieti Scalo, Italy
| | - Rocco Palumbo
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Health and Territory, University G. d’Annunzio of Chieti - Pescara, 66100 Chieti Scalo, Italy
| | - Alberto Di Domenico
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Health and Territory, University G. d’Annunzio of Chieti - Pescara, 66100 Chieti Scalo, Italy
| | - Riccardo Palumbo
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University G. d’Annunzio of Chieti - Pescara, 66100 Chieti Scalo, Italy
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University G. d’Annunzio of Chieti - Pescara, Via dei Vestini, 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy
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14
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Schnell T, Spitzenstätter D, Krampe H. Compliance with COVID-19 public health guidelines: an attitude-behaviour gap bridged by personal concern and distance to conspiracy ideation. Psychol Health 2022; 37:1680-1701. [PMID: 34583589 DOI: 10.1080/08870446.2021.1974861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study examined predictors of compliance with public health guidelines to curb transmission of COVID-19. DESIGN Applying an exploratory longitudinal design, participants (N = 431) from Germany and Austria completed surveys in April/May 2020 (T1) and July/August 2020 (T2). MEASURES Three outcome measures operationalised compliance with public health guidelines at T2: self-reported adherence (behavioural), agreement and opposition (attitudinal). At T1, demographics, perceived distress (PHQ-4, crisis of meaning), resources (self-control, meaningfulness), locus of control, conspiracy mentality and social media use were assessed. At T2, situational variables were added (person at risk, infection of close person, fear of infection, COVID-19 stress). Temporal shifts from T1 to T2 were examined as complementary information. RESULTS An attitude-behaviour gap at T2 was identified, as agreement with and opposition to the guidelines were only modestly correlated with adherence to them. Measures of personal concern (fear of infection, person at risk) were associated with both adherence and positive attitudes towards the measures. COVID-19 stress and conspiracy mentality predicted negative attitudes, but not adherence. Age predicted adherence positively, social media use negatively. CONCLUSION The findings support the significance of personal concern for compliance with public health guidelines and suggest a critical impact of social media use and conspiracy mentality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatjana Schnell
- Social Sciences, MF Specialized University, Oslo, Norway.,Existential Psychology Lab, Institute of Psychology, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Daniel Spitzenstätter
- Existential Psychology Lab, Institute of Psychology, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Henning Krampe
- Department of Anesthesiology and Operative Intensive Care Medicine (CCM, CVK), Charité - Universitätsmedizin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
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15
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Maftei A, Petroi CE. "I'm luckier than everybody else!": Optimistic bias, COVID-19 conspiracy beliefs, vaccination status, and the link with the time spent online, anticipated regret, and the perceived threat. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1019298. [PMID: 36457316 PMCID: PMC9706105 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1019298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The catastrophic wave in the fall of 2021 drove Romania to the top of the list of dangerous COVID-19 infections, with the highest mortality rate in Europe. At the same time, Romania had one of the lowest vaccination rates. In this context, the present research aimed to explore the link between vaccination intention/status, optimistic bias, COVID-19 conspiracy beliefs, the time spent online, and vaccination (anticipated) regret. Our convenience sample was formed by 408 adults aged 18-63 years (M = 22.11, SD = 6.18, 69.9 % females), who were distributed into four groups: (1) non-vaccinated who definitely refused COVID-19 vaccination, (2) non-vaccinated who considered COVID-19 vaccination, (3) non-vaccinated who reported their absolute willingness to COVID-19 vaccination, and (4) people who were COVID-19 vaccinated. We conducted our analyses separately, depending on these groups (i.e., vaccination intentions/status). Data were collected using an online questionnaire between November 10, 2021, and January 03, 2022. In our cross-sectional approach, following correlation and ANOVA analyses, among the observed patterns were (1) the significant negative relation between optimism bias and the perceived COVID-19 threat; (2) the positive link between anticipated regret, post-vaccination regret, age, and conspiracy beliefs. We discuss our findings considering their contribution to health policies and practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Maftei
- Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, Iaşi, Romania
| | - Cosmina Elena Petroi
- Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, Iaşi, Romania
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16
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Tsamakis K, Tsiptsios D, Stubbs B, Ma R, Romano E, Mueller C, Ahmad A, Triantafyllis AS, Tsitsas G, Dragioti E. Summarising data and factors associated with COVID-19 related conspiracy theories in the first year of the pandemic: a systematic review and narrative synthesis. BMC Psychol 2022; 10:244. [PMID: 36320071 PMCID: PMC9623972 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-022-00959-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Conspiracy theories can have particularly harmful effects by negatively shaping health-related behaviours. A significant number of COVID-19 specific conspiracy theories emerged in the immediate aftermath of the pandemic outbreak. The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature on conspiracy theories related to COVID-19 during the first year of the pandemic (2020), to identify their prevalence, their determinants and their public health consequences. A comprehensive literature search was carried out in PubMed and PsycINFO to detect all studies examining any conspiracy theory related to COVID-19 between January 1st 2020, and January 10th 2021. Forty-three studies were included with a total of 61,809 participants. Between 0.4 and 82.7% of participants agreed with at least one conspiracy belief. Certain sociodemographic factors (young age, female gender, being non-white, lower socioeconomic status), psychological aspects (pessimism, blaming others, anger) and other qualities (political conservatism, religiosity, mistrust in science and using social media as source of information) were associated with increased acceptance of conspiracy theories. Conspiracy beliefs led to harmful health-related behaviours and posed a serious public health threat. Large-scale collaborations between governments and healthcare organizations are needed to curb the spread of conspiracy theories and their adverse consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Tsamakis
- grid.13097.3c0000 0001 2322 6764Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King’s College London, London, UK ,grid.5216.00000 0001 2155 0800Second Department of Psychiatry, Attikon University General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece ,grid.264200.20000 0000 8546 682XInstitute of Medical and Biomedical Education, St George’s University of London, London, UK
| | - Dimitrios Tsiptsios
- grid.12284.3d0000 0001 2170 8022Neurology Department, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Brendon Stubbs
- grid.13097.3c0000 0001 2322 6764Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King’s College London, London, UK ,grid.37640.360000 0000 9439 0839South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Denmark Hill, London, UK
| | - Ruimin Ma
- grid.13097.3c0000 0001 2322 6764Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Eugenia Romano
- grid.13097.3c0000 0001 2322 6764Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Christoph Mueller
- grid.13097.3c0000 0001 2322 6764Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King’s College London, London, UK ,grid.37640.360000 0000 9439 0839South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Denmark Hill, London, UK
| | - Ayesha Ahmad
- grid.264200.20000 0000 8546 682XInstitute of Medical and Biomedical Education, St George’s University of London, London, UK
| | - Andreas S. Triantafyllis
- grid.414012.20000 0004 0622 6596Department of Cardiology, Asklepeion General Hospital Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - George Tsitsas
- grid.15823.3d0000 0004 0622 2843Counselling Centre, Harokopio University, Athens, Greece
| | - Elena Dragioti
- grid.5640.70000 0001 2162 9922Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Pain and Rehabilitation Centre, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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17
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Remondi C, Cirimele F, Pastorelli C, Gerbino M, Gregori F, Plata MG, Zuffianò A. Conspiracy beliefs, regulatory self-efficacy and compliance with COVID-19 health-related behaviors: The mediating role of moral disengagement. CURRENT RESEARCH IN ECOLOGICAL AND SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 3:100069. [PMID: 36341468 PMCID: PMC9617670 DOI: 10.1016/j.cresp.2022.100069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Although recent studies on the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) have highlighted the negative effects of moral disengagement on intentions to comply with COVID-19 containment measures, little is known about the mediating role of moral disengagement in the relationship between regulatory self-efficacy in complying with the containment measures, beliefs in conspiracy theories and compliance with COVID-19 health-related behaviors. Data were collected from 1164 young adults (women, N = 796; 68.4%; mean age 25.60 ± 4.40 years) who completed an online survey from 15th May to 22nd June 2021. Results of the multi-group path analyses indicated that higher beliefs in conspiracy theories were associated with lower compliance with COVID-19 health-related behaviors, whereas higher self-efficacy beliefs in complying with the containment measures were associated with higher compliance with COVID-19 health-related behaviors. Moral disengagement significantly mediated the associations between beliefs in conspiracy theories, regulatory self-efficacy, and compliance with COVID-19 health-related behaviors. Finally, the tested model was gender-invariant. Findings suggest that public health authorities and social care professionals should promote interventions aimed at improving regulatory self-efficacy, emphasizing the moral significance of respecting or ignoring the recommended COVID-19 measures (e.g., physical distance in public), and enhancing people's concern for the potential harms of their immoral actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Remondi
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Flavia Cirimele
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Maria Gerbino
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Fulvio Gregori
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Maryluz Gomez Plata
- Grupo de investigación Cognición y Educación, Programa de Psicología, Universidad del Magdalena, Santa Marta, Colombia
| | - Antonio Zuffianò
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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18
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Brandenstein N. Going beyond simplicity: Using machine learning to predict belief in conspiracy theories. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ejsp.2859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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19
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Yagil D, Cohen M. Perceived loss of resources and adherence to guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic in Israel. Health Promot Int 2022; 37:6722659. [PMID: 36166264 DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daac080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Following the outbreak of the global COVID-19 pandemic, governments around the world issued guidelines designed to prevent contagion. This longitudinal study explored variables associated with citizens' adherence to these guidelines. Questionnaires were administered to a panel of Israeli citizens three times: in June (Time 1, n = 896), July (Time 2, n = 712) and August (Time 3, n = 662) 2020. The relationships of perceived loss of resources (e.g. stable employment) at Time 1 with adherence to guidelines at Time 2 and Time 3 were moderated by assumptions about controllability: The relationships were stronger for people who believed that appropriate behavior would lead to positive outcomes and prevent negative outcomes. The results indicate that messages about the pandemic should be accompanied by encouraging messages regarding the ability to control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana Yagil
- University of Haifa, Department of Human Services, Mount Carmel, Haifa 31905, Israel
| | - Miri Cohen
- University of Haifa, School of Social Work, Mount Carmel, Haifa 31905, Israel
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20
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Yagil D, Cohen M. Financial Uncertainty and Anxiety During the COVID-19 Pandemic. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1027/2512-8442/a000119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Abstract. Background: The COVID-19 pandemic involved many uncertainties, including financial uncertainty due to the global financial crisis. Previous research indicates that financial uncertainty is negatively related to mental health and wellbeing. Aims: We tested a model suggesting that the negative impact of financial uncertainty is explained by a restriction of individuals’ view of their future possibilities. Specifically, this longitudinal study explored the relationship of financial uncertainty and anxiety, considering the mediating role of future orientation. Method: Data were collected with questionnaires administered to Israeli citizens in April, June and August 2020. Data analysis comprised 379 respondents who participated in all three times. Results: Future orientation mediated the relationship of financial uncertainty and anxiety over time. Tests of changes across time show that changes in financial uncertainty were related to changes in anxiety levels over time. Limitations: Our sample was biased toward younger ages and the measurement of future orientation referred to a general view of the future rather than specific areas. Conclusion: The results suggest that the stressor of financial uncertainty is generalized to a negative view of future possibilities, thereby increasing anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana Yagil
- Department of Human Services, University of Haifa, Mount Carmel, Haifa, Israel
| | - Miri Cohen
- School of Social Work, University of Haifa, Mount Carmel, Haifa, Israel
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21
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Chamorro Coneo AM, Navarro MC, Quiroz Molinares N. Sexual-specific disgust sensitivity mechanisms in homonegativity and transnegativity; the mediating role of right-wing authoritarianism (RWA). PSYCHOLOGY & SEXUALITY 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/19419899.2022.2100270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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22
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Barahmand U, Mohamadpour S, Sheikh Ahmad RH. COVID-19 Related Stresses, Conspiracy Beliefs, Uncertainty, and Non-adherence to Safety Guidelines. Int J Psychol Res (Medellin) 2022; 15:22-33. [PMID: 37274517 PMCID: PMC10233957 DOI: 10.21500/20112084.5367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Inconsistent use of protective preventive measures and nonadherence of the guidelines set by the World Health Organization regarding the coronavirus are associated with increased morbidity and mortality, as well as increased health care costs. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to examine the role of COVID-19 related worries, conspiracy beliefs, and uncertainty in adherence to preventative measures in Iran. METHOD In a large survey with data collected online from a volunteer sample of 599 individuals, assessments were made of the distress associated with the anticipated potential consequences associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdown, extent of agreement with conspiracy beliefs, level of situation-specific uncertainty, and self-reports of compliance with preventive measures. Data were analyzed to explore paths leading to nonadherence to safety guidelines proposed by the medical authorities. RESULTS A large majority of individuals report significant distress and worry associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Results indicate that increasing levels of situation-specific uncertainty intolerance, as well as conspiracy beliefs regarding the coronavirus, are associated with non-compliance with the advised protocols. Specifically, the results show that worries related to the COVID-19 pandemic are linked to non-compliance with preventive measures through conspiracy beliefs and feelings of uncertainty associated with the COVID-19 situation even after gender, education, and perceived socioeconomic status were controlled. CONCLUSIONS Findings imply that emotional exhaustion is likely to have set in and become counterproductive as people choose to violate safety guidelines. The authors discuss the theoretical and practical implications of these results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Usha Barahmand
- Department of Psychology, Division of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Queens College, City University of New York, USA.Queen City CollegeDepartment of PsychologyDivision of Mathematics and Natural SciencesQueens CollegeNew YorkUSA
| | - Samaneh Mohamadpour
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Khuzestan, Ahwaz, Iran.Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical SciencesDepartment of PsychiatrySchool of MedicineAhvaz Jundishapur University of Medical SciencesKhuzestanAhwazIran
| | - Ruhollah Heydari Sheikh Ahmad
- Department of Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.Mohaghegh Ardabili UniversityDepartment of PsychologyUniversity of Mohaghegh ArdabiliArdabilIran
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23
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Maftei A, Lãzãrescu G. Times Are Harsh, Be Kind to Yourself! Anxiety, Life Satisfaction, and the Mediating Role of Self-Compassion. Front Psychol 2022; 13:915524. [PMID: 35747672 PMCID: PMC9209759 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.915524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The present research aimed to explore the indirect effect of self-compassion on the relationship between two dimensions of intolerance of uncertainty (i.e., prospective and inhibitory anxiety) and life satisfaction. One hundred sixty-four Romanian adult participants formed our sample from the country's eastern side. Their ages ranged between 18 and 61 (M = 23.45, SD = 7.70, 72% females). The study was conducted in 2021, when the Delta wave of COVID-19 was at its peak. Our findings suggested significant negative associations between prospective anxiety, self-compassion, and life satisfaction. A similar negative significant association was suggested between inhibitory anxiety and self-compassion. Age did not significantly correlate with any of our primary variables. Mediation analyses indicated a total mediating effect of self-compassion on the relationship between participants' prospective and inhibitory anxiety and their life satisfaction. We discuss the implications of our findings, considering their relevance for therapeutical interventions aimed to promote psychological wellbeing when facing adversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Maftei
- Department of Educational Sciences, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, Iaşi, Romania
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24
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van Mulukom V, Pummerer LJ, Alper S, Bai H, Čavojová V, Farias J, Kay CS, Lazarevic LB, Lobato EJC, Marinthe G, Pavela Banai I, Šrol J, Žeželj I. Antecedents and consequences of COVID-19 conspiracy beliefs: A systematic review. Soc Sci Med 2022; 301:114912. [PMID: 35354105 PMCID: PMC8920084 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2022.114912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Belief in COVID-19 conspiracy theories can have severe consequences; it is therefore crucial to understand this phenomenon, in its similarities with general conspiracy belief, but also in how it is context-dependent. OBJECTIVE The aim of this systematic review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the available research on COVID-19 conspiracy beliefs and to synthesise this research to make it widely accessible. METHODS We present a synthesis of COVID-19 conspiracy belief research from 85 international articles, identified and appraised through a systematic review, in line with contemporary protocols and guidelines for systematic reviews. RESULTS We identify a number of potential antecedents of COVID-19 conspiracy beliefs (individual differences, personality traits, demographic variables, attitudes, thinking styles and biases, group identity, trust in authorities, and social media use), their consequences (protective behaviours, self-centred and misguided behaviours such as hoarding and pseudoscientific health practices, vaccination intentions, psychological wellbeing, and other negative social consequences such as discrimination and violence), and the effect sizes of their relations with the conspiracy beliefs. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that understanding both the potential antecedents and consequences of conspiracy beliefs and how they are context-dependent is highly important to tackle them, whether in the COVID-19 pandemic or future threats, such as that of climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lotte J Pummerer
- Leibniz-Institut für Wissensmedien, Schleichstraße 6, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.
| | | | - Hui Bai
- Stanford University, United States
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25
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Spahl W, Pot M, Paul KT. Understanding compliance as multi-faceted: values and practices during the COVID-19 pandemic in Austria. CRITICAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/09581596.2022.2039379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wanda Spahl
- Centre for the Study of Contemporary Solidarity (CeSCoS), Department of Political Science, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Mirjam Pot
- Centre for the Study of Contemporary Solidarity (CeSCoS), Department of Political Science, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Katharina T. Paul
- Centre for the Study of Contemporary Solidarity (CeSCoS), Department of Political Science, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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26
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Chung S, Lee T, Hong Y, Ahmed O, Silva WAD, Gouin JP. Viral Anxiety Mediates the Influence of Intolerance of Uncertainty on Adherence to Physical Distancing Among Healthcare Workers in COVID-19 Pandemic. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:839656. [PMID: 35733798 PMCID: PMC9207240 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.839656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The aims of this study were to examine the mediation effect of viral anxiety of healthcare workers on the influence of their intolerance of uncertainty on the adherence to physical distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS An online survey was conducted among 329 healthcare workers (female: 81.4%, nursing professionals: 59.0%, and shift workers: 22.3%) on November 29, 2021. Participants responded to questionnaires on adherence to physical distancing, health beliefs, and perceived social norms, and rating scales of the Stress and Anxiety to Viral Epidemics-6 items (SAVE-6), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 items (PHQ-9), and the Intolerance of Uncertainty-12 items (IUS-12) scale. RESULTS Adherence to physical distancing of healthcare workers was predicted by perceived benefits of physical distancing (β = 0.13, p = 0.01), personal injunctive norms (β = 0.32, p < 0.001), SAVE-6 score (β = 0.13, p = 0.02), and IUS-12 score (β = 0.10, p = 0.045) (adjusted R2 = 0.21, F = 22.3, p < 0.001). Viral anxiety mediated the association between intolerance of uncertainty and adherence to physical distancing but not the influence of perceived benefits and personal injunctive norms on adherence to physical distancing. CONCLUSION We observed that viral anxiety of healthcare workers mediated the association between intolerance of uncertainty and adherence to physical distancing. During this pandemic, exploring adherence to physical distancing and its predicting factors will be helpful for the safety of healthcare workers and the patients for whom they care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seockhoon Chung
- Department of Psychiatry, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Taeyeop Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Youjin Hong
- Department of Psychiatry, GangNeung Asan Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Gangneung, South Korea
| | - Oli Ahmed
- Department of Psychology, University of Chittagong, Chattogram, Bangladesh.,National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
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27
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Del Casale A, Lai C, Iannuccelli A, Ciacchella C, Veneziani G, Ali M, Zocchi C, Bilotta I, Pompili M. Pandemic experiences and psychopathological aspects in individuals with mood disorders and other mental disorders. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:1039072. [PMID: 36311495 PMCID: PMC9614274 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1039072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Individuals with different personality traits, temperaments, and psychological symptoms have different attitudes toward the pandemic experiences and restrictive measures. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the associations between the psychological factors and the attitudes toward COVID-19, experienced during the third pandemic wave in Italy, in a sample of individuals with psychiatric disorders. Between March and September 2021, 53 patients with mood disorders and other mental disorders completed a survey composed of self-report questionnaires that assessed sleep quality, depressive and hypomanic symptoms, and temperament and personality traits. Positive and negative attitudes toward the pandemic experience were assessed using an ad hoc questionnaire. The results showed that individuals with more severe depressive symptoms were less prone to adhere to government guidelines, and were more convinced that the pandemic was not a real problem. Reduced sleep quality was associated with increased skepticism toward official explanations concerning the causes of COVID-19. Lastly, negative affect and cyclothymic temperament predicted the disposition toward COVID-19 vaccines. In conclusion, these findings highlighted that some psychological aspects and psychiatric symptoms could influence the beliefs about COVID-19 and compliance with government recommendations. Further research is needed to provide indications on how to improve the current healthcare policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Del Casale
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Unit of Psychiatry, Sant'Andrea University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Lai
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessia Iannuccelli
- Unit of Psychiatry, Sant'Andrea University Hospital, Rome, Italy.,Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health, and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Ciacchella
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgio Veneziani
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Mohamed Ali
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Clarissa Zocchi
- Unit of Psychiatry, Sant'Andrea University Hospital, Rome, Italy.,Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health, and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Irene Bilotta
- Unit of Psychiatry, Sant'Andrea University Hospital, Rome, Italy.,Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health, and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Pompili
- Unit of Psychiatry, Sant'Andrea University Hospital, Rome, Italy.,Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health, and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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28
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Farias J, Pilati R. Violating social distancing amid the COVID‐19 pandemic: Psychological factors to improve compliance. JOURNAL OF APPLIED SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/jasp.12853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jéssica Farias
- Laboratory of Social Psychology, Institute of Psychology, Department of Social and Work Psychology University of Brasilia Brasília Brazil
| | - Ronaldo Pilati
- Laboratory of Social Psychology, Institute of Psychology, Department of Social and Work Psychology University of Brasilia Brasília Brazil
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Radell ML, McGuire BM. Intolerance of uncertainty predicts fear of healthcare settings but not desire for testing during the novel coronavirus pandemic. DISCOVER PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [PMCID: PMC8686349 DOI: 10.1007/s44202-021-00010-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has caused unprecedented uncertainty, and differences in how people cope with this uncertainty will influence the cost of viral pandemics to both individuals and society. The personality trait of intolerance of uncertainty (IU), defined as a dispositional fear of the unknown, has been linked to higher health anxiety and fear of the virus. Although IU may increase the desire for medical information and treatment, during pandemics, this might be weighed against the risk of becoming infected while in a healthcare setting. We examined whether people with higher IU report greater fear of healthcare settings, and show more desire to be tested for the virus. Residents of the United States (n = 149) were surveyed in early May 2020, while most states had active stay-at-home orders. Higher prospective but not inhibitory IU predicted more fear of healthcare settings. The largest effect size, however, was for fear of leaving the home, indicating a general tendency toward fear and avoidance. Fear of leaving the home, perceiving the virus as dangerous, access to testing, and having symptoms were significant predictors of desire for testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milen L. Radell
- Department of Psychology, Niagara University, Lewiston, NY 14109 USA
| | - Brian M. McGuire
- Department of Psychology, Niagara University, Lewiston, NY 14109 USA
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Warner TD, Steidley T. Some fear, more loathing? Threats and anxieties shaping protective gun ownership and gun carry in the U.S. JOURNAL OF CRIME AND JUSTICE 2021; 45:484-505. [PMID: 36778103 PMCID: PMC9913887 DOI: 10.1080/0735648x.2021.1997787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Given notable recent spikes in gun purchases in the U.S., we revisit the 'fear and loathing' hypothesis of firearm demand by (1) establishing how crime/victimization fears are shaped by broader economic, cultural, and racial status anxieties (those emerging from group status threats [loathing]) and (2) illustrating how both fear and loathing matter for protective gun ownership and gun carry (among owners), and openness to future protective ownership among non-owners. Using data from a nationwide survey of adults in the U.S. (n = 2,262) collected in 2019, we find that fears of crime and victimization are often more strongly associated with status anxieties than with safety threats. Both status anxieties and victimization are associated with protective ownership and carry. Among non-owners, those higher in cultural anxiety are especially likely to be open toward future protective gun ownership. This study illustrates the multidimensional fear-guns link, wherein both status-related threats and victimization-related fears shape why individuals own guns, and how they use guns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara D. Warner
- Department of Criminal Justice, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 210 UBOB, 1201 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL, USA
- Center for Family and Demographic Research, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH, USA
| | - Trent Steidley
- Department of Sociology and Criminology, University of Denver, Denver, CO, USA
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Magarini FM, Pinelli M, Sinisi A, Ferrari S, De Fazio GL, Galeazzi GM. Irrational Beliefs about COVID-19: A Scoping Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:9839. [PMID: 34639241 PMCID: PMC8508358 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18199839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Since the emergence of the recent Coronavirus Disease of 2019 (COVID-19) and its spread as a pandemic, there has been a parallel spread of false and misleading information, known as an infodemic. The COVID-19 infodemic has induced distrust in scientific communities, governments, institutions and the population, and a confidence crisis that has led to harmful health behaviours, also impacting on mental health. The aim of this study is to provide a scoping review of the scientific literature about COVID-19-related misinformation and conspiracy theories, focusing on the construction of a conceptual framework which is useful for the interpretation of the conspiracy theory phenomenon surrounding COVID-19, and its consequences. Particular socio-environmental conditions (i.e., low educational level, younger age), psychological processes and attitudes (such as low levels of epistemic trust, the avoidance of uncertainty, extraversion, collective narcissism, and a conspiracy-prone mindset), and contextual factors (e.g., high levels of self-perceived risk and anxiety) seem to underpin the adherence to beliefs that are not solely the domain of paranoids and extremists but a widespread phenomenon that has caused important health, social and political consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Maria Magarini
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, School of Specialization in Psychiatry, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy; (F.M.M.); (M.P.); (A.S.); (S.F.)
| | - Margherita Pinelli
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, School of Specialization in Psychiatry, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy; (F.M.M.); (M.P.); (A.S.); (S.F.)
| | - Arianna Sinisi
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, School of Specialization in Psychiatry, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy; (F.M.M.); (M.P.); (A.S.); (S.F.)
| | - Silvia Ferrari
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, School of Specialization in Psychiatry, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy; (F.M.M.); (M.P.); (A.S.); (S.F.)
- Section of Clinical Neurosciences, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Largo del Pozzo 7, 41124 Modena, Italy
| | | | - Gian Maria Galeazzi
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, School of Specialization in Psychiatry, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy; (F.M.M.); (M.P.); (A.S.); (S.F.)
- Section of Clinical Neurosciences, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Largo del Pozzo 7, 41124 Modena, Italy
- Dipartimento di Salute Mentale e Dipendenze Patologiche, USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42122 Reggio Emilia, Italy
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Marinaci T, Venuleo C, Gennaro A, Sammut G. Making sense of the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative longitudinal study investigating the first and second wave in Italy. Heliyon 2021; 7:e07891. [PMID: 34493989 PMCID: PMC8413190 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e07891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted the crucial role of people's compliance for the success of measures designed to protect public health. Within the frame of Semiotic Cultural Psycho-social Theory, we discuss how the analysis of people's ways of making sense of the crisis scenario can help to identify the resources or constraints underlying the ways the citizens evaluate and comply with the anti-covid measures. This study aimed to examine how Italian adults interpreted what was happening in the first wave of the pandemic and how the interpretation varied in the period up to the beginning of the second wave. Diaries were collected for six months, from 11 April to 3 November 2020. Participants were periodically asked to talk about their life 'in the last few weeks'. A total number of 606 diaries were collected. The Automated Method for Content Analysis (ACASM) procedure was applied to the texts to detect the factorial dimensions - interpreted as the markers of latent dimensions of meanings- underpinning (dis)similarities in the respondents' discourses. ANOVA were applied to examine the dissimilarities in the association between factorial dimensions and production time. Findings show that significant transitions occurred over time in the main dimensions of meaning identified. Whereas the first phase was characterized by a focus on one's own daily life and the attempt to make sense of the changes occurring in the personal sphere, in the following phases the socio-economic impact of the crisis was brought to the fore, along with the hope to returning to the "normality" of the pre-rupture scenario. We argued that, despite the differences, a low sense of the interweaving between the personal and public sphere emerged in the accounts of the pandemic crisis throughout the sixth months considered; a split that, we speculate, can explain the "free for all" movement that occurred at the end of the first wave and the beginning of the second wave.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Marinaci
- Laboratory of Applied Psychology and Intervention, Department of History, Society and Human Studies, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Claudia Venuleo
- Laboratory of Applied Psychology and Intervention, Department of History, Society and Human Studies, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Alessandro Gennaro
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Gordon Sammut
- Department of Psychology, University of Malta, Malta
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Maftei A, Holman AC. SARS-CoV-2 Threat Perception and Willingness to Vaccinate: The Mediating Role of Conspiracy Beliefs. Front Psychol 2021; 12:672634. [PMID: 34489791 PMCID: PMC8417247 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.672634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In the current exploratory study, we investigated the willingness of participants to vaccinate against the novel coronavirus [severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)] that has shaken up the world since the beginning of 2020. More specifically, we tested the mediating role of conspiracy beliefs (CBs) on the relationship between threat perception (TP) and willingness of participants to vaccinate against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), along with a series of associated demographic variables. Overall, 40% of our sample expressed total rejection of the COVID-19 vaccine. Our results suggested no significant differences in gender, age, educational level, and vaccine acceptance or hesitancy of participants. The results also indicated that CBs partially mediated the relationship between TP and willingness of participants to vaccinate. The current findings are discussed within the theory of planned behavior (TPB) framework and their importance for public health communication and practices and building public trust within the global fight against COVID-19. We considered the present results as a valuable starting point in understanding the psychological constructs related to the extended model of TPB and other personal factors and addressed the attitudinal roots that shape the acceptance and rejection of COVID-19 vaccination.
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Across the COVID-19 Waves; Assessing Temporal Fluctuations in Perceived Stress, Post-Traumatic Symptoms, Worry, Anxiety and Civic Moral Disengagement over One Year of Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18115651. [PMID: 34070478 PMCID: PMC8197503 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18115651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed at investigating the psychological effect of the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy by analysing the trends of perceived stress, post-traumatic symptoms, state anxiety, worry, and civic moral disengagement in four different moments from March 2020 to March 2021. The study involved a total of 1827 Italian participants (30% men and 70% women; Mage = 34.72; SD = 12.40) divided into four groups to which an online survey was administered. The first group completed the survey in March 2020, the second one in August 2020, the third one in November 2020, and the fourth one in March 2021. Results highlighted significant decreases in post-traumatic symptoms and a significant increase in civic moral disengagement over the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. The levels of perceived stress, worry, and state anxiety remained constant. The correlations between the variables at different times were also explored, as well as gender differences over the year. The COVID-19 emergency has had significant effects on the mental state of the population, with important repercussions for individual and collective well-being during but probably also after the pandemic. This study offers a clear snapshot of the psychological outcomes over one COVID-19 pandemic year, providing important information that may contribute to tailor more effective interventions for mental health.
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Larsen EM, Donaldson KR, Liew M, Mohanty A. Conspiratorial Thinking During COVID-19: The Roles of Paranoia, Delusion-Proneness, and Intolerance of Uncertainty. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:698147. [PMID: 34483993 PMCID: PMC8416269 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.698147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 global pandemic has left many feeling a sense of profound uncertainty about their world, safety, and livelihood. Sources espousing misinformation and conspiracy theories frequently offer information that can help make sense of this uncertainty. Individuals high in intolerance of uncertainty (IU) may be particularly impacted by the impoverished epistemic environment and may thus be more drawn to conspiratorial thinking (CT). In the present work, we show across 2 studies (N = 519) that COVID-19-specific CT is associated with higher levels of IU as well as delusion-proneness, and paranoia. Furthermore, delusion-proneness and paranoia explained the relationship between IU and CT and emerged as independent partial correlates of CT even when controlling for other facets of schizotypy. In contrast, anxiety did not explain the relationship between IU and CT. Overall, our findings highlight the importance of individual differences in IU, delusion-proneness and paranoia in the development of CT in the context of the acute uncertainty of a global crisis, in which conspiracy theories are more prevalent and salient. Informational intervention designs may benefit from leveraging the body of work demonstrating the efficacy of targeting IU to incite meaningful changes in thinking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmett M Larsen
- Neuroscience of Emotion, Cognition, and Psychopathology Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States
| | - Kayla R Donaldson
- Neuroscience of Emotion, Cognition, and Psychopathology Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States
| | - Megan Liew
- Neuroscience of Emotion, Cognition, and Psychopathology Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States
| | - Aprajita Mohanty
- Neuroscience of Emotion, Cognition, and Psychopathology Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States
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