Background: Paranoid thinking is prevalent in the non-clinical population and cognitive
mechanisms of heuristic reasoning and jumping to conclusions bias contributes to its …

In this introduction to the EJSP Special Issue on conspiracy theories as a social
psychological phenomenon, we describe how this emerging research domain has …

People endorse conspiracy theories particularly when they experience existential threat, that
is, feelings of anxiety or uncertainty often because of distressing societal events. At the same …

Paranoia is the belief that others intend you harm. It is related to conspiracy theories,
wherein those others represent an organized faction, coordinating the harm against self and …

We examine conspiracy beliefs in the context of misplaced certainty—certainty that is
unsubstantiated by one's own or others' skepticism. A conspiracy theory held with misplaced …

Recent theoretical models view conspiracy beliefs as an individual reaction to threatening
experiences, an assumption that is in line with empirical relationships between conspiracy …

This chapter explores some of the psychological factors, focusing on the motivational and
emotional reasons why people adopt conspiracy theories. Research suggests that people …

While conspiracy theories may offer benefits to those who believe in them, they can also
foster intergroup conflict, threaten democracy, and undercut public health. We argue that the …

What psychological factors drive the popularity of conspiracy theories, which explain
important events as secret plots by powerful and malevolent groups? What are the …

Surveys indicate that belief in conspiracy theories is widespread. Previous studies have
indicated that such beliefs are related to agreeableness, low levels of self esteem, certain …