Paranoid beliefs and conspiracy mentality are associated with different forms of mistrust: A three-nation study

Abstract

Paranoia and conspiracy are terms typically used interchangeably. However, although the underlying content of these types of beliefs might be similar (e.g., seeing others as powerful and threatening), recent research suggests that these constructs differ in important ways. One important feature shared by both constructs is excessive mistrust but this aspect might play different roles in each belief system. In this study we explored the strength of associations of different trust predictors (i.e., trust in institutions, trust in sources of information, perceptual trust, and interpersonal trust) between conspiracy mentality and paranoid beliefs. We tested this association in a large representative multinational sample (United Kingdom n = 2025; Spain n = 1951; and Ireland n = 1041). Confirmatory factor analysis supported a two-factor model of conspiracy and paranoid beliefs in each nation sample. Path and equality of constraints analysis revealed that paranoia was more strongly associated with perceptual mistrust (bias towards mistrusting unfamiliar faces) whereas conspiracy was more strongly associated with mistrust in political institutions. Although interpersonal mistrust and trust in social sources of information were associated significantly with conspiracy their association with paranoid beliefs was stronger. These findings clarify the role of different trust processes in both belief systems. Limitations of this study are discussed.

“Trust me, do not trust anyone”: how epistemic mistrust and credulity are associated with conspiracy mentality

“…In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, overarching epistemic mistrust also represents a key factor contributing to the increased prevalence of conspiracy beliefs (Magarini et al ., 2021 ). Specific examples of such associations include the correlation between conspiracy mentality and mistrust in scientific institutions and health organizations, resulting in reduced compliance with preventive guidelines (Plohl & Musil, 2021 ); mistrust in democratic political institutions and non-populist governments (Martinez et al ., 2022 ; Pickel et al ., 2022 ); and mistrust in conventional media platforms and news outlets, particularly when coupled with increased social media use (van der Linden et al ., 2020). These correlations between mistrust in various societal authorities responsible for information dissemination and conspiracy beliefs have been corroborated in multinational, representative samples (De Coninck et al ., 2021 ) and concerning both general and specific COVID-related CTs (Freeman et al ., 2022 ).…”

“…They are also more prone to perceive fake news headlines as accurate and to disseminate them on social media (Tanzer et al ., 2021 ). Cross-national large-scale studies have found a positive association between higher conspiracy mentality levels and a tendency to trust informal sources ( e.g ., internet websites and social media) for information about COVID- 19 (Martinez et al ., 2022 ; van Mulukom et al , 2022 ).…”

To believe or not to believe: Personality, cognitive, and emotional factors involving fake news perceived accuracy

“…These findings align with previous research. For instance, Martinez et al (2022) demonstrated a relationship between suspiciousness, paranoia, and trust in informal sources of information, such as social media. When individuals disregard information from well-established institutions, conspiracy theorists seek alternative explanations for events (Pierre, 2020).…”

“…In terms of the pathological dimensions of personality, Martinez et al (2022) demonstrated that paranoia, rather than a conspiratorial mindset, was linked to trust in informal sources of information.…”

“…The PID‐5 has demonstrated validity in research and serves as a viable alternative to established tests for psychodiagnostic evaluations of dysfunctional personality (Anderson et al, 2018; Fossati et al, 2013; Somma et al, 2019; Wright & Simms, 2014). To streamline the test administration process and minimize redundancy, we selected the PID‐5 facets (10 out of the 25 PID‐5‐Adult trait facets) that have been theoretically and empirically linked to vulnerability to fake news, as indicated by existing scientific literature (Barron et al, 2014; Boland & Anderson, 2019; Martinez et al, 2022).…”