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Dong Y, Yang X, Zhang X, Jiang J. 'They are conspiring against us': How outgroup conspiracy theories stimulate environmental neglect in intergroup resource dilemmas. BRITISH JOURNAL OF SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 38742773 DOI: 10.1111/bjso.12758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Natural resources are limited, and people often share these limited resources in groups, which creates an intergroup resource dilemma. To understand individuals' sustainable behaviours in intergroup resource dilemmas in the context of group interactions, the present research systematically investigates the effect of outgroup conspiracy theories on sustainable behaviours and preliminarily explores the internal mechanism underlying this effect. First, a survey study (Study 1) relying on real-world intergroup relations first confirmed the negative correlation between outgroup conspiracy beliefs and sustainable intentions in intergroup resource dilemmas. Then, an online experimental study that utilized the real situation of a region in China (Study 2) tested the causal relationship between exposure to an outgroup conspiracy theory and sustainable intentions, as well as showing the mediating role of intergroup threat perception underlying this relationship. Finally, a preregistered experimental laboratory study (Study 3) further verified the causal effect of exposure to an outgroup conspiracy theory on sustainable behaviours, again confirming the mediating role of intergroup threat perception. In general, our research demonstrates that exposure to an outgroup conspiracy theory stimulates individuals' environmental neglect and reduces their sustainable behaviours by increasing their perceptions of intergroup threat when faced with intergroup resource dilemmas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijia Dong
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Applied Experimental Psychology, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Psychology Education (Beijing Normal University), Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
| | - Xinyi Yang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Applied Experimental Psychology, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Psychology Education (Beijing Normal University), Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaomeng Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Applied Experimental Psychology, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Psychology Education (Beijing Normal University), Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Jiang Jiang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Applied Experimental Psychology, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Psychology Education (Beijing Normal University), Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
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2
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Arnulf JK, Furnham A. "Never mind the fine print": The interaction of semantics with attitude strength beliefs on corporate cover-ups. Acta Psychol (Amst) 2024; 243:104156. [PMID: 38280351 DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2024.104156] [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: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024] Open
Abstract
This study examined the interaction between attitude strength and the cognitive constraints imposed by the semantic properties of measurement items. It made use of digital algorithms and built on the semantic theory of survey response (STSR), examining how people who hold strong beliefs about contemporary issues violate cognitive constraints in expressing strong attitudes. We examined the beliefs people hold concerning attempts to hide, or cover up, information about organisational scandals. Beliefs in cover-ups are related to beliefs in conspiracy theories in that they tend to overrate cues of wrongdoing, disregarding information that may render a more nuanced picture of events. We obtained responses from 405 people who rated their self-images and personal strengths, and explored how these variables influenced the respondents' beliefs in corporate cover-ups. Using latent semantic analysis (LSA), we differentiated between attitude strength and cognitive processing of the survey items. Results indicated that people with inflated self-images tended to override cognitive cues in endorsing extreme types of cover-ups such as removing accusers. Conversely, people who parse the information more carefully had a more tempered view on cover-ups and were more inclined to believe in subtle forms such as twisting stories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Ketil Arnulf
- Department of Leadership and Organisational Behaviour, Norwegian Business School (BI), 0442 Nydalen, Nydalveien, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Adrian Furnham
- Department of Leadership and Organisational Behaviour, Norwegian Business School (BI), 0442 Nydalen, Nydalveien, Oslo, Norway
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3
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Green R, Toribio-Flórez D, Douglas KM, Brunkow JW, Sutton RM. Making an impression: The effects of sharing conspiracy theories. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jesp.2022.104398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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4
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Hornsey MJ, Bierwiaczonek K, Sassenberg K, Douglas KM. Individual, intergroup and nation-level influences on belief in conspiracy theories. NATURE REVIEWS PSYCHOLOGY 2023; 2:85-97. [PMID: 36467717 PMCID: PMC9685076 DOI: 10.1038/s44159-022-00133-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Conspiracy theories are part of mainstream public life, with the potential to undermine governments, promote racism, ignite extremism and threaten public health efforts. Psychological research on conspiracy theories is booming, with more than half of the academic articles on the topic published since 2019. In this Review, we synthesize the literature with an eye to understanding the psychological factors that shape willingness to believe conspiracy theories. We begin at the individual level, examining the cognitive, clinical, motivational, personality and developmental factors that predispose people to believe conspiracy theories. Drawing on insights from social and evolutionary psychology, we then review research examining conspiracy theories as an intergroup phenomenon that reflects and reinforces societal fault lines. Finally, we examine how conspiracy theories are shaped by the economic, political, cultural and socio-historical contexts at the national level. This multilevel approach offers a deep and broad insight into conspiracist thinking that increases understanding of the problem and offers potential solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J. Hornsey
- grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537Business School, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland Australia
| | - Kinga Bierwiaczonek
- grid.5510.10000 0004 1936 8921Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kai Sassenberg
- grid.418956.70000 0004 0493 3318Leibniz-Institut für Wissensmedien, Tübingen, Germany ,grid.10392.390000 0001 2190 1447Department of Psychology, University of Tübingen School of Science, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Karen M. Douglas
- grid.9759.20000 0001 2232 2818School of Psychology, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK
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Biddlestone M, Cichocka A, Główczewski M, Cislak A. Their own worst enemy? Collective narcissists are willing to conspire against their in-group. Br J Psychol 2022; 113:894-916. [PMID: 35523725 PMCID: PMC9790724 DOI: 10.1111/bjop.12569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Collective narcissism - a belief in in-group greatness that is not appreciated by others - is associated with using one's group for personal benefits. Across one pilot and four studies, we demonstrated that collective narcissism predicts readiness to conspire against in-group members (rmeta-analysis = .24). In Study 1, conducted in Poland (N = 361), collective narcissism measured in the context of national identity predicted readiness to engage in secret surveillance against one's own country's citizens. In Study 2 (N = 174; pre-registered), collective narcissism in UK workplace teams predicted intentions to engage in conspiracies against co-workers. In Study 3 (N = 471; pre-registered), US national narcissism predicted intentions to conspire against fellow citizens. Furthermore, conspiracy intentions accounted for the relationship between collective narcissism and beliefs in conspiracy theories about the in-group. Finally, in Study 4 (N = 1064; pre-registered), we corroborated the link between Polish national narcissism and conspiracy intentions against fellow citizens, further showing that these intentions were only directed towards group members that were perceived as moderately or strongly typical of the national in-group (but not when perceived in-group typicality was low). In-group identification was either negatively related (Studies 1 and 2) or unrelated (Studies 3 and 4) to conspiracy intentions (rmeta-analysis = .04). We discuss implications for research on conspiracy theories and populism.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Michał Główczewski
- Institute of PsychologyNicolaus Copernicus University in ToruńToruńPoland
| | - Aleksandra Cislak
- Institute of PsychologySWPS University of Social Sciences and HumanitiesWarszawaPoland
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6
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Arnulf JK, Robinson C, Furnham A. Dispositional and ideological factor correlate of conspiracy thinking and beliefs. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0273763. [PMID: 36288289 PMCID: PMC9604007 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0273763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
This study explored how the Big Five personality traits, as well as measures of personality disorders, are related to two different measures of conspiracy theories (CTs)The two measures correlated r = .58 and were applied to examine generalisability of findings. We also measured participants (N = 397) general knowledge levels and ideology in the form of religious and political beliefs. Results show that the Big Five and ideology are related to CTs but these relationships are generally wiped out by the stronger effects of the personality disorder scales. Two personality disorder clusters (A and B) were significant correlates of both CT measures, in both cases accounting for similar amounts of variance (20%). The personality disorders most predictive of conspiracy theories were related to the A cluster, characterized by schizotypal symptoms such as oddities of thinking and loose associations. These findings were corroborated by an additional analysis using Latent Semantic Analysis (LSA). LSA demonstrated that the items measuring schizotypal and related symptoms are cognitively related to both our measures of CTs. The implications for the studying of CTs is discussed, and limitations are acknowledged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Ketil Arnulf
- Department of Leadership and Organisational Behaviour, Norwegian Business School (BI), Nydalsveien, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Adrian Furnham
- Department of Leadership and Organisational Behaviour, Norwegian Business School (BI), Nydalsveien, Oslo, Norway
- * E-mail:
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Liu T, Guan T, Yuan R. Can Debunked Conspiracy Theories Change Radicalized Views? Evidence from Racial Prejudice and Anti-China Sentiment Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic. JOURNAL OF CHINESE POLITICAL SCIENCE 2022; 28:1-33. [PMID: 36193056 PMCID: PMC9520097 DOI: 10.1007/s11366-022-09832-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
With the advent of the 'age of conspiracism', the harmfulness of conspiratorial narratives and mindsets on individuals' mentalities, on social relations, and on democracy, has been widely researched by political scientists and psychologists. One known negative effect of conspiracy theories is the escalation toward political radicalism. This study goes beyond the exploration of mechanisms underpinning the relationship between conspiracy theory and radicalization to focus on possible approaches to mitigating them. This study sheds light on the role of counter-conspiracy approaches in the process of deradicalization, adopting the case study of anti-China sentiment and racial prejudice amid the Covid-19 pandemic, through conducting an experiment (N = 300). The results suggest that, during critical events such as the Covid-19 pandemic, exposure to countermeasures to conspiracist information can reduce individual acceptance of radicalism. We investigated two methods of countering conspiracy theory, and found that: (1) a content-targeted 'inoculation' approach to countering conspiracy theory can prevent the intensification of radicalization, but does not produce a significant deradicalization effect; and (2) an audience-focused 'disenchantment' method can enable cognitive deradicalization, effectively reducing the perception of competitive victimhood, and of real and symbolic threats. This study is one of the first attempts to address causality between deradicalization and countermeasures to conspiracy theories in the US-China relations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyang Liu
- School of Politics and Public Administration, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Research Center for Economic Diplomacy, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Tianru Guan
- School of Journalism and Communication, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Randong Yuan
- Institute for International Affairs, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China
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Gkinopoulos T, Mari S. How exposure to real conspiracy theories motivates collective action and political engagement? Τhe moderating role of primed victimhood and underlying emotional mechanisms in the case of 2018 bushfire in Attica. JOURNAL OF APPLIED SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/jasp.12923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Silvia Mari
- Department of Psychology Università degli Studi di Milano‐Bicocca Milan Italy
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Baeza-Rivera MJ, Salazar-Fernández C, Araneda-Leal L, Manríquez-Robles D. To get vaccinated or not? Social psychological factors associated with vaccination intent for COVID-19. JOURNAL OF PACIFIC RIM PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1177/18344909211051799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Pandemic control not only requires effective COVID-19 vaccines but also that they are accepted by at least 80% of the population. For this reason, understanding the social psychological variables associated with vaccination intent is essential to achieve herd immunity. Drawing on the theory of reasoned action, this study seeks to analyze vaccination intent using the beliefs about vaccine effectiveness, conspiracy theories, and injunctive norms as predictors. A non-probabilistic national online survey was conducted during December 2020. A sample of 1,033 people in Chile answered a questionnaire with the study variables. Using structural equation models, it was found that vaccination intent was explained in 62.1% by beliefs about vaccine effectiveness and injunctive norms, controlling for age, political orientation, socioeconomic status, educational level, and gender. Specifically, beliefs about vaccine effectiveness are based on people's experience with previous immunization processes, which predict vaccination intent. Regarding injunctive norms, they act by influencing and encouraging vaccination by seeking the approval of significant others. Contrary to expected, conspiracy beliefs were not directly associated with the intention to receive a COVID-19 vaccine but were highly related to lower beliefs about vaccine effectiveness. This study suggests that to enhance the vaccination intent, socio-psychological and structural variables need to be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- María José Baeza-Rivera
- Laboratorio de Interacciones, Cultura y Salud, Departamento de Psicología, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Católica de Temuco, Chile
| | - Camila Salazar-Fernández
- Laboratorio de Interacciones, Cultura y Salud, Departamento de Psicología, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Católica de Temuco, Chile
| | - Leslie Araneda-Leal
- Laboratorio de Interacciones, Cultura y Salud, Departamento de Psicología, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Católica de Temuco, Chile
| | - Diego Manríquez-Robles
- Laboratorio de Interacciones, Cultura y Salud, Departamento de Psicología, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Católica de Temuco, Chile
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10
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacquelyn H Flaskerud
- School of Nursing, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
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11
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Biddlestone M, Green R, Cichocka A, Sutton R, Douglas K. Conspiracy beliefs and the individual, relational, and collective selves. SOCIAL AND PERSONALITY PSYCHOLOGY COMPASS 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/spc3.12639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ricky Green
- School of Psychology University of Kent Canterbury UK
| | | | - Robbie Sutton
- School of Psychology University of Kent Canterbury UK
| | - Karen Douglas
- School of Psychology University of Kent Canterbury UK
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12
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van Prooijen JW, Ligthart J, Rosema S, Xu Y. The entertainment value of conspiracy theories. Br J Psychol 2021; 113:25-48. [PMID: 34260744 PMCID: PMC9290699 DOI: 10.1111/bjop.12522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Many citizens around the globe believe conspiracy theories. Why are conspiracy theories so appealing? Here, we propose that conspiracy theories elicit intense emotions independent of emotional valence. People therefore find conspiracy theories entertaining – that is, narratives that people perceive as interesting, exciting, and attention‐grabbing – and such entertainment appraisals are positively associated with belief in them. Five studies supported these ideas. Participants were exposed to either a conspiratorial or a non‐conspiratorial text about the Notre Dame fire (Study 1) or the death of Jeffrey Epstein (preregistered Study 2). The conspiratorial text elicited stronger entertainment appraisals and intense emotions (independent of emotional valence) than the non‐conspiratorial text; moreover, entertainment appraisals mediated the effects of the manipulation on conspiracy beliefs. Study 3 indicated that participants endorsed stronger conspiracy beliefs when an election event was described in an entertaining rather than a boring manner. Subsequent findings revealed that both organisational (Study 4) and societal conspiracy beliefs (Study 5) are positively associated with sensation seeking – a trait characterised by a preference for exciting and intense experiences. We conclude that one reason why people believe conspiracy theories is because they find them entertaining.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan-Willem van Prooijen
- VU Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,The Netherlands Institute for the Study of Crime and Law Enforcement (NSCR), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Yang Xu
- VU Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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van Prooijen JW, Spadaro G, Wang H. Suspicion of institutions: How distrust and conspiracy theories deteriorate social relationships. Curr Opin Psychol 2021; 43:65-69. [PMID: 34298201 DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2021.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Many citizens distrust powerful societal institutions, and hold conspiracy theories about them. What are the implications of this suspicion of institutions for people's social relationships? The current paper proposes that institutions have at least two functions to regulate citizens' social relationships: providing people with a sense of safety, and providing models for group norms and values. Suspicion of institutions undermines both of these functions, and therefore yields a range of negative societal outcomes by impacting people's interpersonal, within-group, and between-group relationships. More specifically, suspicion of institutions reduces trust between strangers, within-group cooperation, commitment, and prosocial behavior, and increases prejudice, intergroup conflict, polarization, and extremism. We conclude that institutional distrust and conspiracy theories erode the fabric of society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan-Willem van Prooijen
- Department of Experimental and Applied Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; The Netherlands Institute for the Study of Crime and Law Enforcement (NSCR), Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Giuliana Spadaro
- Department of Experimental and Applied Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Haiyan Wang
- Department of Experimental and Applied Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; The Netherlands Institute for the Study of Crime and Law Enforcement (NSCR), Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Abstract
In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in the consequences of conspiracy theories and the COVID-19 pandemic raised this interest to another level. In this article, I will outline what we know about the consequences of conspiracy theories for individuals, groups, and society, arguing that they are certainly not harmless. In particular, research suggests that conspiracy theories are associated with political apathy, support for non-normative political action, climate denial, vaccine refusal, prejudice, crime, violence, disengagement in the workplace, and reluctance to adhere to COVID-19 recommendations. In this article, I will also discuss the challenges of dealing with the negative consequences of conspiracy theories, which present some opportunities for future research.
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Jolley D, Douglas KM, Skipper Y, Thomas E, Cookson D. Measuring adolescents' beliefs in conspiracy theories: Development and validation of the Adolescent Conspiracy Beliefs Questionnaire (ACBQ). BRITISH JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY 2021; 39:499-520. [PMID: 33556990 DOI: 10.1111/bjdp.12368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Four studies (total n = 961) developed and validated the Adolescent Conspiracy Beliefs Questionnaire (ACBQ). Initial items were developed in collaboration with teachers. An exploratory factor analysis (Study 1, n = 208, aged 11-14) and a student focus group (N = 3, aged 11) enabled us to establish the factor structure of a 9-item scale. This was replicated via confirmatory factor analysis in Study 2 (N = 178, aged 11-17), and the scale displayed good convergent (i.e., relationship with paranoia and mistrust) and discriminant validity (i.e., no relationship with extraversion). Study 3a (N = 257) further tested convergent validity with a sample of 18-year-olds (i.e., relationship with adult-validated measures of conspiracy beliefs) and demonstrated strong test-retest reliability. Study 3b (N = 318) replicated these findings with a mixed-age adult sample. The ACBQ will allow researchers to explore the psychological antecedents and consequences of conspiracy thinking in young populations.
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Alemany Oliver M. Navigating Between the Plots: A Narratological and Ethical Analysis of Business-Related Conspiracy Theories (BrCTs). JOURNAL OF BUSINESS ETHICS : JBE 2020; 175:265-288. [PMID: 32952244 PMCID: PMC7488222 DOI: 10.1007/s10551-020-04612-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2019] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
This paper introduces the concept of business-related conspiracy theories (BrCTs). Drawing on Aristotelian virtue ethics and undertaking a narratological and ethical analysis of 28 BrCTs found online, I emphasize that BrCTs are narratives with structures rooted in other latent macro- and meta-narratives, including centuries-old myths. In particular, I reconstruct the fictional world (diegesis) of BrCTs - one in which CSR and social contracts have failed - before identifying eight different types of actors as which people can morally situate themselves in their relationships with business. Finally, I elaborate on the actors' performances and their use of external and legitimate forces to end the story. The paper concludes with a discussion of potential future research to help combat BrCTs, as well as a call for the critical study of political CSR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Alemany Oliver
- Social & Innovation Marketing Lab, TBS Business School, 1 Place Alfonse Jourdain - CS 66810, 31068 Toulouse Cedex 7, France
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17
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Mao J, Yang S, Guo Y. Are individuals from lower social classes more susceptible to conspiracy theories? An explanation from the compensatory control theory. ASIAN JOURNAL OF SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/ajsp.12417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jia‐Yan Mao
- School of Psychology Nanjing Normal University Nanjing China
| | - Shen‐Long Yang
- Institute of Social Psychology School of Humanities and Social Science Xi’an Jiaotong University Xi’an China
| | - Yong‐Yu Guo
- School of Psychology Nanjing Normal University Nanjing China
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18
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Stojanov A, Halberstadt J. Does lack of control lead to conspiracy beliefs? A meta‐analysis. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/ejsp.2690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Stojanov
- Department of Psychology University of Otago Dunedin New Zealand
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Edwards MR, Leite AC, Randsley de Moura G, Marques AG. Let's talk about Brexit: intra-organizational communication, citizenship status, procedural justice, and job insecurity in a context of potential immigration threat. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/09585192.2020.1754883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Martin R. Edwards
- UQ Business School, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Ana C. Leite
- Department of Psychology, Durham University, Durham, UK
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Poon KT, Chen Z, Wong WY. Beliefs in Conspiracy Theories Following Ostracism. PERSONALITY AND SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY BULLETIN 2020; 46:1234-1246. [PMID: 31928312 DOI: 10.1177/0146167219898944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Four studies (total valid N = 643) examined whether ostracism increases people's political conspiracy beliefs through heightened vulnerability and whether self-affirmation intervention counteracts the effect of ostracism on conspiracy beliefs. Compared with their nonostracized counterparts, ostracized participants were more likely to endorse conspiracy beliefs related to different political issues (Studies 1-3). Moreover, heightened vulnerability mediated the link between ostracism and conspiracy beliefs (Studies 1-3). Offering ostracized participants an opportunity to reaffirm values important to them could reduce their political conspiracy beliefs (Study 4). Taken together, our findings highlight the crucial role of vulnerability in understanding when and why ostracism increases conspiracy beliefs and how to ameliorate this relationship. Our findings also provide novel insights into how daily interpersonal interactions influence people's political beliefs and involvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai-Tak Poon
- The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong
| | | | - Wing-Yan Wong
- The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong
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Jolley D, Meleady R, Douglas KM. Exposure to intergroup conspiracy theories promotes prejudice which spreads across groups. Br J Psychol 2019; 111:17-35. [PMID: 30868563 PMCID: PMC7004178 DOI: 10.1111/bjop.12385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2018] [Revised: 01/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
This research experimentally examined the effects of exposure to intergroup conspiracy theories on prejudice and discrimination. Study 1 (N = 166) demonstrated that exposure to conspiracy theories concerning immigrants to Britain from the European Union (vs. anti‐conspiracy material or a control) exacerbated prejudice towards this group. Study 2 (N = 173) found the same effect in a different intergroup context – exposure to conspiracy theories about Jewish people (vs. anti‐conspiracy material or a control) increased prejudice towards this group and reduced participants’ willingness to vote for a Jewish political candidate. Finally, Study 3 (N = 114) demonstrated that exposure to conspiracy theories about Jewish people not only increased prejudice towards this group but was indirectly associated with increased prejudice towards a number of secondary outgroups (e.g., Asians, Arabs, Americans, Irish, Australians). The current research suggests that conspiracy theories may have potentially damaging and widespread consequences for intergroup relations.
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Jolley D, Douglas KM, Leite AC, Schrader T. Belief in conspiracy theories and intentions to engage in everyday crime. BRITISH JOURNAL OF SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2019; 58:534-549. [DOI: 10.1111/bjso.12311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2018] [Revised: 12/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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van Prooijen J, Douglas KM. Belief in conspiracy theories: Basic principles of an emerging research domain. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2018; 48:897-908. [PMID: 30555188 PMCID: PMC6282974 DOI: 10.1002/ejsp.2530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
In this introduction to the EJSP Special Issue on conspiracy theories as a social psychological phenomenon, we describe how this emerging research domain has developed over the past decade and distill four basic principles that characterize belief in conspiracy theories. Specifically, conspiracy theories are consequential as they have a real impact on people's health, relationships, and safety; they are universal in that belief in them is widespread across times, cultures, and social settings; they are emotional given that negative emotions and not rational deliberations cause conspiracy beliefs; and they are social as conspiracy beliefs are closely associated with psychological motivations underlying intergroup conflict. We then discuss future research and possible policy interventions in this growing area of enquiry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan‐Willem van Prooijen
- VU AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
- The Netherlands Institute for the Study of Crime and Law Enforcement (NSCR)AmsterdamThe Netherlands
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Douglas KM, Sutton RM. Why conspiracy theories matter: A social psychological analysis. EUROPEAN REVIEW OF SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/10463283.2018.1537428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Karen M. Douglas
- School of Psychology, University of Kent, Canterbury, United Kingdom
| | - Robbie M. Sutton
- School of Psychology, University of Kent, Canterbury, United Kingdom
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Chayinska M, Minescu A. “They've conspired against us”: Understanding the role of social identification and conspiracy beliefs in justification of ingroup collective behavior. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/ejsp.2511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Anca Minescu
- Department of Psychology; University of Limerick; Limerick Ireland
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Schweinberger SR, Franz VH, Palermo R. Current developments and challenges for the British Journal of Psychology. Br J Psychol 2018; 109:1-5. [PMID: 29313958 DOI: 10.1111/bjop.12281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Volker H Franz
- Department of Computer Science, University of Tübingen, Germany
| | - Romina Palermo
- School of Psychological Science, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
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Abstract
What psychological factors drive the popularity of conspiracy theories, which explain important events as secret plots by powerful and malevolent groups? What are the psychological consequences of adopting these theories? We review the current research and find that it answers the first of these questions more thoroughly than the second. Belief in conspiracy theories appears to be driven by motives that can be characterized as epistemic (understanding one’s environment), existential (being safe and in control of one’s environment), and social (maintaining a positive image of the self and the social group). However, little research has investigated the consequences of conspiracy belief, and to date, this research does not indicate that conspiracy belief fulfills people’s motivations. Instead, for many people, conspiracy belief may be more appealing than satisfying. Further research is needed to determine for whom, and under what conditions, conspiracy theories may satisfy key psychological motives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen M. Douglas
- Karen M. Douglas, School of Psychology, University of Kent, Canterbury, CT2 7NP, United Kingdom E-mail:
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van Prooijen JW, Douglas KM. Conspiracy theories as part of history: The role of societal crisis situations. MEMORY STUDIES 2017; 10:323-333. [PMID: 29081831 PMCID: PMC5646574 DOI: 10.1177/1750698017701615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 212] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
In the present contribution, we examine the link between societal crisis situations and belief in conspiracy theories. Contrary to common assumptions, belief in conspiracy theories has been prevalent throughout human history. We first illustrate historical incidents suggesting that societal crisis situations-defined as impactful and rapid societal change that calls established power structures, norms of conduct, or even the existence of specific people or groups into question-have stimulated belief in conspiracy theories. We then review the psychological literature to explain why this is the case. Evidence suggests that the aversive feelings that people experience when in crisis-fear, uncertainty, and the feeling of being out of control-stimulate a motivation to make sense of the situation, increasing the likelihood of perceiving conspiracies in social situations. We then explain that after being formed, conspiracy theories can become historical narratives that may spread through cultural transmission. We conclude that conspiracy theories originate particularly in crisis situations and may form the basis for how people subsequently remember and mentally represent a historical event.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan-Willem van Prooijen
- Jan-Willem van Prooijen, Department of Experimental and Applied Psychology, VU Amsterdam, Van der Boechorstraat 1, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Abstract
Abstract. In the current research, we investigated whether belief in conspiracy theories satisfies people’s need for uniqueness. We found that the tendency to believe in conspiracy theories was associated with the feeling of possessing scarce information about the situations explained by the conspiracy theories (Study 1) and higher need for uniqueness (Study 2). Further two studies using two different manipulations of need for uniqueness (Studies 3 and 4) showed that people in a high need for uniqueness condition displayed higher conspiracy belief than people in a low need for uniqueness condition. This conclusion is strengthened by a small-scale meta-analysis. These studies suggest that conspiracy theories may serve people’s desire to be unique, highlighting a motivational underpinning of conspiracy belief.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Lantian
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
- LAPPS, UPL, Université Paris Nanterre, France
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Jolley D, Douglas KM. Prevention is better than cure: Addressing anti-vaccine conspiracy theories. JOURNAL OF APPLIED SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/jasp.12453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 170] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Jolley
- Department of Psychology; School of Life Sciences and Education, Staffordshire University
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