Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 1, 2026
06:42
Continuous Theta Burst Stimulation of the Posterior Medial Frontal Cortex to Experimentally Reduce Ideological Threat Responses
Published on: September 28, 2018
14.3K
Perceived Social Isolation and Conspiracy Mentality: Exploring Pathways to Anti-LGBTQ+ Conspiracy Beliefs
Sara Panerati1, Barbara Barcaccia2,3, Muslumogullari Yunus Emre1
1Department of Human Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.
Scandinavian Journal of Psychology
|April 29, 2026
Summary
Social isolation increases the likelihood of endorsing anti-LGBTQ+ conspiracy beliefs. This link is strengthened by a heightened conspiratorial mentality, highlighting social integration
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Sociology
- Public Health
Background:
- Conspiracy beliefs targeting marginalized groups like LGBTQ+ individuals are harmful.
- Limited social integration is linked to increased vulnerability to conspiratorial thinking.
- Social isolation may fuel uncertainty and anxiety, increasing susceptibility to anti-LGBTQ+ conspiracy beliefs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between perceived social isolation and anti-LGBTQ+ conspiracy beliefs.
- To examine the mediating role of conspiratorial mentality in this relationship.
Main Methods:
- Survey study with 820 participants.
- Assessed perceived social isolation, conspiratorial mentality, and endorsement of anti-LGBTQ+ conspiracy beliefs.
Main Results:
- Perceived social isolation was positively associated with anti-LGBTQ+ conspiracy beliefs.
- This association was both direct and indirect, mediated by conspiratorial mentality.
Conclusions:
- Individuals experiencing higher social isolation are more prone to endorsing anti-LGBTQ+ conspiracy beliefs.
- Social isolation is a significant factor contributing to the spread of harmful conspiracy theories.
- Understanding social isolation's role can inform interventions and prevention strategies.
Related Concept Videos
01:01Group Polarization
31.3K
Group polarization is the strengthening of an original group attitude following the discussion of views within a group (Teger & Pruitt, 1967). That is, if a group initially favors a viewpoint, after discussion the group consensus is likely a stronger endorsement of the viewpoint. Conversely, if the group was initially opposed to a viewpoint, group discussion would likely lead to stronger opposition.
31.3K
01:31In- and Out-Groups
28.5K
People all belong to a gender, race, age, and social economic group. These groups provide a powerful source of our identity and self-esteem (Tajfel & Turner, 1979) and serve as our in-groups. An in-group is a group that we identify with or see ourselves as belonging to.
28.5K
02:55Stereotypes, Prejudice, and Discrimination
77.8K
Humans are very diverse and although we share many similarities, we also have many differences. The social groups we belong to help form our identities (Tajfel, 1974). These differences may be difficult for some people to reconcile, which may lead to prejudice toward people who are different. Prejudice is a negative attitude and feeling toward an individual based solely on one’s membership in a particular social group (Allport, 1954; Brown, 2010). Prejudice is common against people who...
77.8K
01:26Causes of Similarity-Dissimilarity Effect
383
The similarity-dissimilarity effect, a fundamental concept in social psychology, explains how interpersonal similarities and differences influence attraction and social interactions. This effect is supported by three key psychological perspectives: balance theory, social comparison theory, and consensual validation.Balance Theory and Cognitive ConsistencyBalance theory, developed by Fritz Heider, posits that individuals seek cognitive consistency in their relationships. When two people share...
383
02:09Stereotype Threat and Self-fulfilling Prophecies
28.1K
When we hold a stereotype about a person, we have expectations that he or she will fulfill that stereotype. A self-fulfilling prophecy is an expectation held by a person that alters his or her behavior in a way that tends to make it true. When we hold stereotypes about a person, we tend to treat the person according to our expectations. This treatment can influence the person to act according to our stereotypic expectations, thus confirming our stereotypic beliefs. Research by Rosenthal and...
28.1K
00:52Social Proof
24.9K
Social proof is a form of persuasion based on comparison and conformity. People compare their behavior and actions to what others are doing and will change to conform to do what their peers do.
24.9K