University of Twente Student Theses
Understanding Belief in Conspiracy Theories : Investigating the Role of Trust and Well-Being
Tangemann, H.F. (2024) Understanding Belief in Conspiracy Theories : Investigating the Role of Trust and Well-Being.
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| Abstract: | Purpose: The prominence of conspiracy theories has increased in the last few years, leading to the polarisation of sociopolitical debates and the radicalisation of attitudes. Therefore, it is important to deepen the understanding of the psychology underlying belief in conspiracy theories. In this study, the following research questions are investigated: How do distinct kinds of trust (epistemic, institutional, and interpersonal) and forms of well-being (psychological and social) influence the extent to which people believe in conspiracy theories? Additionally, does well-being act as a mediator in the relationship between trust and belief in conspiracy theories? Method: The sample (N = 167) consisted of German speaking participants that were recruited through the online networks Instagram and Facebook. Hypotheses were tested with linear regression analyses and a mediation analysis. Results: The analyses showed that institutional trust negatively predicts belief in conspiracy theories (p < .001). There were no significant relationships between the other predictor variables (epistemic and interpersonal trust as well as psychological and social well-being) and belief in conspiracy theories, nor any mediating effect of well-being. Epistemic trust positively affected psychological well-being (p < .05), and interpersonal trust positively affected social well-being (p < .001). Contrary to predictions, interpersonal trust was negatively related to psychological well-being (p < .05). Conclusion: In summary, this research confirms that institutional trust predicts belief in conspiracy theories. It also calls into question prior findings as no other relationships regarding belief in conspiracy theories could be confirmed. The established links between different trust variables and different well-being variables offer a nuanced understanding of the dynamics between trust and well-being. This provides opportunities for the mental health field of practice to foster epistemic and interpersonal trust in their approaches to improving well-being. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Bachelor) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 77 psychology |
| Programme: | Psychology BSc (56604) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/100574 |
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