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Does Belief in Conspiracy Theories Affect Interpersonal Relationships?
Daniel Toribio-Flórez1, Ricky Green1, Robbie M Sutton1
1University of Kent (UK).
The Spanish Journal of Psychology
|April 27, 2023
Summary
Conspiracy beliefs can harm interpersonal relationships by altering attitudes, leading to social stigma, and encouraging non-normative behaviors. Further research is needed to understand these impacts and protective factors.
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Interpersonal Relationships
- Belief Systems
Background:
- Growing interest in the social consequences of conspiracy beliefs.
- Limited research on the specific impact of conspiracy beliefs on interpersonal relationships.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review empirical evidence on how conspiracy beliefs affect relationships.
- To propose social-psychological mechanisms explaining these effects.
- To highlight areas for future research.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of empirical studies.
- Theoretical analysis of social-psychological mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Internalized conspiracy beliefs can lead to attitude divergence, straining relationships.
- Stigmatization of conspiracy theorists can deter social connection.
- Misperceptions of social norms may drive non-normative behaviors, negatively impacting interactions.
Conclusions:
- Conspiracy beliefs pose a significant threat to interpersonal relationships through various psychological pathways.
- Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for mitigating relationship erosion.
- Further investigation is required to identify factors that preserve relationships despite conspiracy beliefs.
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