Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 21, 2025

Continuous Theta Burst Stimulation of the Posterior Medial Frontal Cortex to Experimentally Reduce Ideological Threat Responses
Published on: September 28, 2018
When the sun goes down: low political knowledge and high national narcissism predict climate change conspiracy
Piotr Michalski1, Marta Marchlewska1, Paulina Górska2
1Polish Academy of Sciences.
Abstract:
The present research empirically examines the links between political knowledge, national narcissism, and climate change conspiracy beliefs. National narcissism (i.e., an unrealistic belief about in-group's greatness which is maladaptive both from the perspective of intra- and inter-group processes) was previously linked to conspiracy beliefs. In this research, we hypothesized that low theoretical political knowledge would boost national narcissism and further lead to adopting climate change conspiracy theories.
Methods:
This hypothesis was tested in a two-wave study conducted among Polish participants (N = 558).
Results:
We found negative effect of political knowledge on climate change conspiracy beliefs. Moreover, national narcissism mediated between theoretical political knowledge and conspiracy beliefs.
Conclusion:
People having low political knowledge are prone to believe in climate change conspiracy theories. Moreover, those less informed about the way political system works in their country are more narcissistically identified with their nation and, thus, deny the climate change.
Related Concept Videos
Fundamental Attribution Error
Environmental Influences on Intelligence
Global Climate Change
Cause and Effect
Confirmation Biases
Personality Disorders: Narcissistic and Avoidant
Characteristics of Narcissistic Personality Disorder
Narcissistic individuals exhibit an inflated sense of self-importance and an excessive need for admiration. They are often...

