New Research Challenges the Idea of a ‘Vicious Cycle’
New research explores the relationship between psychological distress and conspiracy beliefs, finding very limited evidence for a link between elevated distress and conspiracy beliefs.
A significant amount of research has been dedicated to understanding what drives people to believe in conspiracies. Notable examples, such as the Watergate scandal, highlight the importance of questioning authority and official narratives.
The questioning of authority and the official narrative is something that should be encouraged.
However, some individuals believe in conspiracy theories that contradict evidence. Recent studies have reported that 8.9% of New Zealand participants and 10% of other groups hold such beliefs.
The team's findings challenge the idea of a ‘vicious cycle’ between psychological distress and conspiracy beliefs, suggesting a more complex relationship.
Author's summary: Research challenges the link between psychological distress and conspiracy beliefs.