Is There Ever A Good Conspiracy?

Conspiracy theories, which emphasize the distinctions between “ingroups” and “outgroups”, can lead to stronger social bonds and provide a sense of protection against those people find threatening. More than half of American adults subscribe to at least one common conspiracy theory, such as QAnon, which is unverified.

Conspiration theories have ego-defensive benefits by making people feel important and helping them rationalize their actions. They can reveal a lot about what’s going on in our societies and how to address it. Research links support in such theories to various life dimensions, including preventive actions and vaccination intentions.

However, widespread belief in conspiracy theories is cause for concern, as research links support in such theories to uncertainty aversion, anxiety, and existential threat. People are attracted to conspiracy theories in an attempt to satisfy three psychological needs: more certainty, to feel in control, and maintain a sense of control.

Previous research has demonstrated that conspiracy beliefs are associated with uncertainty aversion, anxiety, and existential threat. From the great fire of Rome in A.D. 64 to the plague outbreaks in 1349, and the recent Coronavirus pandemic, history is full of examples where conspiracy theories have been used to satisfy these needs.

A new review finds that only some methods to counteract conspiracy beliefs are effective. This study aims to analyze the direct and indirect impact of beliefs in conspiracy theories on COVID-19-related preventive actions and vaccination intentions.