Factors affecting conspiracy theory endorsement in paranoia

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Social Psychology
• Psychopathology

Background:

• Paranoia and conspiracy thinking are distinct yet correlated psychological constructs.
• Previous research has not clarified if specific conspiracy thinking types are more prevalent in paranoia.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between paranoia and specific components of conspiracy ideation.
• To determine if intentionality and self-referential harm influence endorsement of conspiracy beliefs in paranoid individuals.

Main Methods:

• A large-scale (N=1000), pre-registered online study was conducted.
• Participants completed a new Components of Conspiracy Ideation Questionnaire.
• Endorsement rates were analyzed based on whether harm was intentional and self-referential.

Main Results:

• Paranoia positively correlated with overall endorsement of conspiracy ideation items.
• Higher paranoia levels were associated with endorsing items involving intentional and self-referential harm.
• Belief in conspiracy items correlated with belief in others; incidental harm and harm to others were more generally believable.

Conclusions:

• Paranoia is specifically associated with endorsing conspiracy theories involving intentional and self-referential harm.
• The findings contribute to understanding the nuanced relationship between paranoia and conspiracy thinking.
• Further research may explore the generalizability of these associations and their underlying mechanisms.