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Conspiracy mentality in autistic and non-autistic individuals
Sanne Roels1, Sander Begeer1, Anke M Scheeren1
1Department of Clinical, Neuro and Developmental Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Cognitive Neuropsychiatry
|September 10, 2024
Summary
Autistic adults do not differ in conspiracy mentality compared to the general population. This study found autism is neither a risk nor protective factor for believing conspiracy theories.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Background:
- Conspiracy theories are prevalent across cultures and not solely linked to mental health conditions.
- Previous research often linked conspiracy beliefs to mental health, but recent findings indicate broader population prevalence.
- This study investigates conspiracy mentality as a general predisposition in autistic adults versus the general population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if autistic adults exhibit different levels of conspiracy mentality compared to a general population sample.
- To assess whether autistic traits influence a general predisposition to believe conspiracy theories.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study involving an autistic sample (n=682) and a general population sample (n=4358).
- Conspiracy mentality was assessed using the validated Conspiracy Mentality Questionnaire (CMQ).
- Statistical analysis involved a one-way ANCOVA, controlling for age, gender, education, and ethnicity.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in conspiracy mentality was found between the autistic and general population samples.
- Analysis controlled for demographic factors including age, gender, educational level, and ethnicity.
Conclusions:
- Autism or autistic traits do not predict conspiracy mentality.
- Autism is not identified as a risk factor or a protective factor for conspiracy mentality.
- Findings challenge assumptions linking autism with a predisposition to conspiracy theories.
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