Psychological Traits Predicting Conspiracy Theory Belief

Recent research published in the journal *Applied Cognitive Psychology* identifies two psychological traits that significantly correlate with a tendency to believe in conspiracy theories: a belief in an unjust world and a low tolerance for ambiguity. The study, conducted by Adrian Furnham and colleagues, involved an online survey of 253 adults primarily from Great Britain, South Africa, the United States, and Canada, with an average age of 49. The findings suggest that individuals who perceive the world as fundamentally unfair are more likely to endorse conspiratorial narratives, as these beliefs provide a structured explanation for complex and ambiguous situations.

Psypost

The researchers utilized a ten-item scale to measure conspiracy mentality, which included statements about secret organizations and government cover-ups. Participants also provided demographic information, political views, and religious beliefs, along with assessments of their optimism and perceptions of justice in the world. Additionally, they completed the High Potential Trait Indicator to evaluate traits such as Adjustment, Competitiveness, Risk Approach, and Tolerance of Ambiguity.

Psypost

The study revealed that younger individuals and women were slightly more inclined to endorse conspiracy theories, although these demographic factors were less significant than psychological traits. Notably, participants who identified as more religiously observant or politically conservative exhibited higher scores on the conspiracy mentality measure. However, the researchers found no correlation between educational attainment and belief in conspiracy theories, challenging the stereotype that such beliefs are primarily held by the uninformed.

Psypost

The research highlights that individuals with low tolerance for ambiguity often adopt rigid interpretations of events, aligning with the black-and-white worldview commonly found in conspiracy narratives. This cognitive style allows conspiracy theories to serve as a coping mechanism for anxiety stemming from uncertainty. Furnham noted, “Important determinants of those who believe in many/all conspiracy theories is the extent to which they see Justice in the World as well as their personal discomfort with various forms of ambiguity.”

Psypost

These findings suggest that conspiracy theories may fulfill psychological needs for structure and justice, particularly for those feeling powerless in an unjust world. By attributing misfortune to malevolent actors rather than random chance, individuals may find validation for their feelings of injustice. The study underscores the importance of understanding the psychological functions of conspiracy beliefs, as they may provide a sense of certainty and closure in an increasingly complex world.

Psypost

The authors advocate for further research with larger and more diverse samples to explore the social dynamics of conspiracy beliefs and how individuals discover and form groups around these theories. Understanding these psychological traits could inform interventions aimed at addressing the appeal of conspiracy theories, particularly in contexts where misinformation is prevalent.

Psypost

• “I have long been interested in conspiracy theories, having published around 20 papers on the topic over the past decade or so. Few, if any, researchers have taken into account the ‘cover up’ perspective of conspiracy believers,” — Adrian Furnham, Professor, Norwegian Business School

Psypost

• “Important determinants of those who believe in many/all conspiracy theories is the extent to which they see Justice in the World as well as their personal discomfort with various forms of ambiguity,” — Adrian Furnham, Professor, Norwegian Business School

Psypost

This research contributes to the growing body of literature on the psychological underpinnings of conspiracy beliefs, emphasizing the need for a nuanced understanding of the factors that drive individuals toward these narratives.

Psypost