Evaluation – Conspiracy theories have at all times been part of society, providing explanations – typically easy, usually elaborate – for complicated occasions.
Some have uncovered real conspiracies, such because the Watergate scandal. Most lack substance however are nonetheless broadly believed. As an illustration, the concept the moon touchdown was staged has persevered for many years regardless of substantial proof on the contrary.
What drives individuals to undertake these beliefs? Researchers have been investigating the underlying mechanisms that foster conspiracy beliefs and our new examine provides one other piece to this puzzle.
Utilizing knowledge from greater than 55,000 individuals who participated within the longitudinal New Zealand attitudes and values examine, we discovered sure core psychological wants appeal to individuals to conspiracy theories. When these wants go unmet over lengthy durations of time, persons are extra prone to flip to conspiracy beliefs, probably as a strategy to fulfil these wants.
