HRPYC81
PROJECT 5: The Psychology of Conspiracy Beliefs
Assignment 3 RESEARCH PROPOSAL 2026
Due Date: 2026
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ANXIETY, TRUST AND CONSPIRACY THEORY
BELIEFS AMONG ADULTS IN SOUTH AFRICA
1. Introduction
Conspiracy theory beliefs have become increasingly relevant in contemporary societies,
particularly in contexts characterised by uncertainty, inequality, and institutional distrust,
such as South Africa. These beliefs refer to explanations of events that attribute causality to
secret, coordinated actions by powerful groups, often perceived as harmful and deceptive
(van Prooijen & Douglas, 2018). In South Africa, persistent challenges such as corruption,
socio-economic inequality, service delivery failures, and public health crises have created
fertile conditions for the development and spread of conspiracy beliefs (Cordonier & Cafiero,
2024). Limited trust in government institutions has been shown to predict stronger
endorsement of conspiracy beliefs (Jennings et al., 2021). At the same time, psychological
distress, particularly anxiety, has been linked to increased susceptibility to conspiracy
thinking as individuals attempt to regain a sense of control and predictability (Krüppel et al.,
2023). Understanding these relationships is critical, as conspiracy beliefs can undermine
Terms ofetuse
public health compliance, fuel social division, and weaken democratic processes (Douglas
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document as a guide for learning, comparison and reference purpose,
Terms of use
Not to duplicate, reproduce and/or misrepresent the contents of this document as your own work,
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document
Fully accept the consequences
solely as a guide forshould you plagiarise
learning, reference,or and
misuse this document.
comparison purposes,
Ensure originality of your own work, and fully accept the consequences should you plagiarise or misuse this document.
Comply with all relevant standards, guidelines, regulations, and legislation governing academic and written work.
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is" without any express or
implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or liability for any actions taken based on the
information contained within this document. This document is intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes.
Reproduction, resale, or transmission of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
, +27 81 278 3372
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ANXIETY, TRUST AND CONSPIRACY THEORY
BELIEFS AMONG ADULTS IN SOUTH AFRICA
1. INTRODUCTION
Conspiracy theory beliefs have become increasingly relevant in contemporary
societies, particularly in contexts characterised by uncertainty, inequality, and
institutional distrust, such as South Africa. These beliefs refer to explanations of
events that attribute causality to secret, coordinated actions by powerful groups,
often perceived as harmful and deceptive (van Prooijen & Douglas, 2018). In South
Africa, persistent challenges such as corruption, socio-economic inequality, service
delivery failures, and public health crises have created fertile conditions for the
development and spread of conspiracy beliefs (Cordonier & Cafiero, 2024). Limited
trust in government institutions has been shown to predict stronger endorsement of
conspiracy beliefs (Jennings et al., 2021). At the same time, psychological distress,
particularly anxiety, has been linked to increased susceptibility to conspiracy thinking
as individuals attempt to regain a sense of control and predictability (Krüppel et al.,
2023). Understanding these relationships is critical, as conspiracy beliefs can
undermine public health compliance, fuel social division, and weaken democratic
processes (Douglas et al., 2019). This study will examine the relationship between
anxiety, trust, and conspiracy theory beliefs, focusing on how emotional and social
factors interact to shape these beliefs. Specifically, the study will explore whether
higher levels of anxiety and lower levels of trust are associated with stronger
endorsement of conspiracy theories. These constructs will be investigated using a
cross-sectional survey design, allowing for the statistical examination of relationships
between variables. By addressing these dynamics, the study aims to contribute to a
deeper understanding of psychological processes underlying conspiracy beliefs in
South Africa.
2. LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Conceptualisation of Conspiracy Theory Beliefs
Conspiracy theory beliefs have been conceptualised as a multidimensional
psychological construct that reflects individuals’ attempts to interpret complex,
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is"
without any express or implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or
liability for any actions taken based on the information contained within this document. This document is
intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes. Reproduction, resale, or transmission
of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
, +27 81 278 3372
uncertain, and often threatening events. These beliefs typically involve explanations
that attribute significant outcomes to secret, coordinated actions by powerful actors
who intend to deceive or harm others (Douglas et al., 2019). This conceptualisation
highlights the central role of intentionality and perceived threat in shaping
conspiratorial thinking. Similarly, conspiracy theories are understood as products of
evolved cognitive mechanisms that promote vigilance toward potential coalitions,
particularly in situations involving uncertainty or perceived danger (van Prooijen &
van Vugt, 2018).
A key distinction within the literature is between general conspiracy mentality and
specific conspiracy beliefs. A general conspiracy mentality refers to a stable
tendency to interpret events as the result of conspiracies, whereas specific
conspiracy beliefs involve endorsement of particular narratives linked to political,
social, or health-related issues (Imhoff et al., 2022). In contrast, broader socio-
political approaches emphasise the role of group identity and political attitudes in
shaping which conspiracy narratives individuals endorse (Uscinski et al., 2022).
Across these perspectives, several core dimensions consistently define conspiracy
theory beliefs. These include pattern perception, where individuals detect
connections between unrelated events; agency, which involves attributing deliberate
intent to actors; coalition, referring to the belief that groups collaborate secretly;
threat, indicating harmful intentions; and secrecy, which renders such beliefs
resistant to disconfirmation (van Prooijen & van Vugt, 2018). These dimensions
distinguish conspiracy explanations from conventional reasoning by combining
intentionality, coordination, and hidden motives.
Scholars also differ in their interpretation of the functions of conspiracy beliefs.
Epistemic accounts suggest that such beliefs reduce uncertainty by offering causal
explanations for complex events (Douglas et al., 2017). Existential perspectives
argue that conspiracy beliefs restore a sense of control when individuals feel
powerless (Stojanov & Halberstadt, 2020). Social explanations emphasise that
conspiracy beliefs reinforce group identity and intergroup boundaries (Biddlestone et
al., 2021).
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is"
without any express or implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or
liability for any actions taken based on the information contained within this document. This document is
intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes. Reproduction, resale, or transmission
of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
PROJECT 5: The Psychology of Conspiracy Beliefs
Assignment 3 RESEARCH PROPOSAL 2026
Due Date: 2026
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ANXIETY, TRUST AND CONSPIRACY THEORY
BELIEFS AMONG ADULTS IN SOUTH AFRICA
1. Introduction
Conspiracy theory beliefs have become increasingly relevant in contemporary societies,
particularly in contexts characterised by uncertainty, inequality, and institutional distrust,
such as South Africa. These beliefs refer to explanations of events that attribute causality to
secret, coordinated actions by powerful groups, often perceived as harmful and deceptive
(van Prooijen & Douglas, 2018). In South Africa, persistent challenges such as corruption,
socio-economic inequality, service delivery failures, and public health crises have created
fertile conditions for the development and spread of conspiracy beliefs (Cordonier & Cafiero,
2024). Limited trust in government institutions has been shown to predict stronger
endorsement of conspiracy beliefs (Jennings et al., 2021). At the same time, psychological
distress, particularly anxiety, has been linked to increased susceptibility to conspiracy
thinking as individuals attempt to regain a sense of control and predictability (Krüppel et al.,
2023). Understanding these relationships is critical, as conspiracy beliefs can undermine
Terms ofetuse
public health compliance, fuel social division, and weaken democratic processes (Douglas
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document as a guide for learning, comparison and reference purpose,
Terms of use
Not to duplicate, reproduce and/or misrepresent the contents of this document as your own work,
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document
Fully accept the consequences
solely as a guide forshould you plagiarise
learning, reference,or and
misuse this document.
comparison purposes,
Ensure originality of your own work, and fully accept the consequences should you plagiarise or misuse this document.
Comply with all relevant standards, guidelines, regulations, and legislation governing academic and written work.
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is" without any express or
implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or liability for any actions taken based on the
information contained within this document. This document is intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes.
Reproduction, resale, or transmission of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
, +27 81 278 3372
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ANXIETY, TRUST AND CONSPIRACY THEORY
BELIEFS AMONG ADULTS IN SOUTH AFRICA
1. INTRODUCTION
Conspiracy theory beliefs have become increasingly relevant in contemporary
societies, particularly in contexts characterised by uncertainty, inequality, and
institutional distrust, such as South Africa. These beliefs refer to explanations of
events that attribute causality to secret, coordinated actions by powerful groups,
often perceived as harmful and deceptive (van Prooijen & Douglas, 2018). In South
Africa, persistent challenges such as corruption, socio-economic inequality, service
delivery failures, and public health crises have created fertile conditions for the
development and spread of conspiracy beliefs (Cordonier & Cafiero, 2024). Limited
trust in government institutions has been shown to predict stronger endorsement of
conspiracy beliefs (Jennings et al., 2021). At the same time, psychological distress,
particularly anxiety, has been linked to increased susceptibility to conspiracy thinking
as individuals attempt to regain a sense of control and predictability (Krüppel et al.,
2023). Understanding these relationships is critical, as conspiracy beliefs can
undermine public health compliance, fuel social division, and weaken democratic
processes (Douglas et al., 2019). This study will examine the relationship between
anxiety, trust, and conspiracy theory beliefs, focusing on how emotional and social
factors interact to shape these beliefs. Specifically, the study will explore whether
higher levels of anxiety and lower levels of trust are associated with stronger
endorsement of conspiracy theories. These constructs will be investigated using a
cross-sectional survey design, allowing for the statistical examination of relationships
between variables. By addressing these dynamics, the study aims to contribute to a
deeper understanding of psychological processes underlying conspiracy beliefs in
South Africa.
2. LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Conceptualisation of Conspiracy Theory Beliefs
Conspiracy theory beliefs have been conceptualised as a multidimensional
psychological construct that reflects individuals’ attempts to interpret complex,
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is"
without any express or implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or
liability for any actions taken based on the information contained within this document. This document is
intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes. Reproduction, resale, or transmission
of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
, +27 81 278 3372
uncertain, and often threatening events. These beliefs typically involve explanations
that attribute significant outcomes to secret, coordinated actions by powerful actors
who intend to deceive or harm others (Douglas et al., 2019). This conceptualisation
highlights the central role of intentionality and perceived threat in shaping
conspiratorial thinking. Similarly, conspiracy theories are understood as products of
evolved cognitive mechanisms that promote vigilance toward potential coalitions,
particularly in situations involving uncertainty or perceived danger (van Prooijen &
van Vugt, 2018).
A key distinction within the literature is between general conspiracy mentality and
specific conspiracy beliefs. A general conspiracy mentality refers to a stable
tendency to interpret events as the result of conspiracies, whereas specific
conspiracy beliefs involve endorsement of particular narratives linked to political,
social, or health-related issues (Imhoff et al., 2022). In contrast, broader socio-
political approaches emphasise the role of group identity and political attitudes in
shaping which conspiracy narratives individuals endorse (Uscinski et al., 2022).
Across these perspectives, several core dimensions consistently define conspiracy
theory beliefs. These include pattern perception, where individuals detect
connections between unrelated events; agency, which involves attributing deliberate
intent to actors; coalition, referring to the belief that groups collaborate secretly;
threat, indicating harmful intentions; and secrecy, which renders such beliefs
resistant to disconfirmation (van Prooijen & van Vugt, 2018). These dimensions
distinguish conspiracy explanations from conventional reasoning by combining
intentionality, coordination, and hidden motives.
Scholars also differ in their interpretation of the functions of conspiracy beliefs.
Epistemic accounts suggest that such beliefs reduce uncertainty by offering causal
explanations for complex events (Douglas et al., 2017). Existential perspectives
argue that conspiracy beliefs restore a sense of control when individuals feel
powerless (Stojanov & Halberstadt, 2020). Social explanations emphasise that
conspiracy beliefs reinforce group identity and intergroup boundaries (Biddlestone et
al., 2021).
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is"
without any express or implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or
liability for any actions taken based on the information contained within this document. This document is
intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes. Reproduction, resale, or transmission
of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
