,THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ANXIETY, TRUST AND CONSPIRACY THEORY
BELIEFS AMONG ADULTS IN SOUTH AFRICA
Abstract
Conspiracy theory beliefs have become an important area of psychological research
because they influence how individuals understand significant and uncertain events.
Conspiracy theories generally involve explanations that attribute important events to secret,
coordinated and intentional actions by powerful individuals or groups (Douglas et al., 2019).
Although conspiracy beliefs can occur across different populations and social contexts,
psychological research suggests that they may be associated with several emotional,
cognitive and social factors. Two factors that are particularly relevant are anxiety and trust.
Individuals experiencing anxiety may experience greater uncertainty and may seek
explanations that make complex or threatening situations easier to understand. At the same
time, individuals who have lower levels of trust in other people or institutions may be more
willing to question official explanations and consider alternative accounts of events (van
Prooijen & Douglas, 2018).
The South African context provides an important setting in which to investigate these
relationships. South Africa has a complex history involving apartheid, political
transformation, socioeconomic inequality and varying levels of confidence in public
institutions. In addition, the growth of social media has increased the amount of information
and misinformation available to the public. Research conducted in South Africa has
identified medical mistrust and conspiracy-related beliefs in relation to COVID-19, while
other research has examined differences in trust in science among South African internet
users (Jarolimova et al., 2021; Henrico et al., 2026).
This research report examines the relationship between anxiety, trust and conspiracy
theory beliefs among adults in South Africa. The study uses a quantitative, cross-sectional
correlational approach. Anxiety, trust and conspiracy theory beliefs are treated as
measurable psychological and social variables. The study investigates whether higher
anxiety is associated with stronger conspiracy theory beliefs and whether lower trust is
associated with stronger conspiracy theory beliefs. Existing research suggests that anxiety,
uncertainty and perceived lack of control can be associated with conspiracy beliefs, while
trust in institutions and authorities tends to be negatively associated with conspiratorial
, thinking (Pilch et al., 2019; Murphy et al., 2022). The study contributes to understanding
conspiracy theory beliefs within a South African context and highlights the importance of
considering psychological and social factors when examining how adults interpret uncertain
or controversial information.
Keywords: anxiety, trust, conspiracy theories, conspiracy beliefs, South Africa, adults,
uncertainty, misinformation
1. Introduction
Conspiracy theories have existed throughout history, but they have become particularly
visible in contemporary society. People are regularly exposed to explanations of political
events, public-health crises, economic problems, wars, scientific developments and social
changes through television, newspapers, websites and social media. A conspiracy theory
can broadly be understood as an explanation suggesting that important events are secretly
controlled or manipulated by a group of powerful actors who intentionally conceal their
actions from the public (Douglas et al., 2019). These explanations often challenge
conventional accounts of events and suggest that what appears to be happening on the
surface is not the real explanation.
The study of conspiracy theory beliefs has become an important area within psychology
because such beliefs can influence how people understand their environment and respond
to institutions. Conspiracy beliefs are not limited to one particular political group, culture or
socioeconomic class. Instead, research suggests that different individuals may endorse
conspiracy theories for different reasons. These reasons can include the desire to
understand complicated events, the desire to feel safe and in control, and the desire to
protect the identity or interests of one's social group (Douglas et al., 2019; Biddlestone et al.,
2025).
Anxiety is one psychological factor that may be relevant to conspiracy beliefs. Anxiety
involves feelings of worry, apprehension, tension and concern about potential threats.
When individuals experience anxiety, they may perceive their environment as unpredictable
or dangerous. This can increase their motivation to search for explanations that help them
understand what is happening. Conspiracy theories may sometimes provide a simple
BELIEFS AMONG ADULTS IN SOUTH AFRICA
Abstract
Conspiracy theory beliefs have become an important area of psychological research
because they influence how individuals understand significant and uncertain events.
Conspiracy theories generally involve explanations that attribute important events to secret,
coordinated and intentional actions by powerful individuals or groups (Douglas et al., 2019).
Although conspiracy beliefs can occur across different populations and social contexts,
psychological research suggests that they may be associated with several emotional,
cognitive and social factors. Two factors that are particularly relevant are anxiety and trust.
Individuals experiencing anxiety may experience greater uncertainty and may seek
explanations that make complex or threatening situations easier to understand. At the same
time, individuals who have lower levels of trust in other people or institutions may be more
willing to question official explanations and consider alternative accounts of events (van
Prooijen & Douglas, 2018).
The South African context provides an important setting in which to investigate these
relationships. South Africa has a complex history involving apartheid, political
transformation, socioeconomic inequality and varying levels of confidence in public
institutions. In addition, the growth of social media has increased the amount of information
and misinformation available to the public. Research conducted in South Africa has
identified medical mistrust and conspiracy-related beliefs in relation to COVID-19, while
other research has examined differences in trust in science among South African internet
users (Jarolimova et al., 2021; Henrico et al., 2026).
This research report examines the relationship between anxiety, trust and conspiracy
theory beliefs among adults in South Africa. The study uses a quantitative, cross-sectional
correlational approach. Anxiety, trust and conspiracy theory beliefs are treated as
measurable psychological and social variables. The study investigates whether higher
anxiety is associated with stronger conspiracy theory beliefs and whether lower trust is
associated with stronger conspiracy theory beliefs. Existing research suggests that anxiety,
uncertainty and perceived lack of control can be associated with conspiracy beliefs, while
trust in institutions and authorities tends to be negatively associated with conspiratorial
, thinking (Pilch et al., 2019; Murphy et al., 2022). The study contributes to understanding
conspiracy theory beliefs within a South African context and highlights the importance of
considering psychological and social factors when examining how adults interpret uncertain
or controversial information.
Keywords: anxiety, trust, conspiracy theories, conspiracy beliefs, South Africa, adults,
uncertainty, misinformation
1. Introduction
Conspiracy theories have existed throughout history, but they have become particularly
visible in contemporary society. People are regularly exposed to explanations of political
events, public-health crises, economic problems, wars, scientific developments and social
changes through television, newspapers, websites and social media. A conspiracy theory
can broadly be understood as an explanation suggesting that important events are secretly
controlled or manipulated by a group of powerful actors who intentionally conceal their
actions from the public (Douglas et al., 2019). These explanations often challenge
conventional accounts of events and suggest that what appears to be happening on the
surface is not the real explanation.
The study of conspiracy theory beliefs has become an important area within psychology
because such beliefs can influence how people understand their environment and respond
to institutions. Conspiracy beliefs are not limited to one particular political group, culture or
socioeconomic class. Instead, research suggests that different individuals may endorse
conspiracy theories for different reasons. These reasons can include the desire to
understand complicated events, the desire to feel safe and in control, and the desire to
protect the identity or interests of one's social group (Douglas et al., 2019; Biddlestone et al.,
2025).
Anxiety is one psychological factor that may be relevant to conspiracy beliefs. Anxiety
involves feelings of worry, apprehension, tension and concern about potential threats.
When individuals experience anxiety, they may perceive their environment as unpredictable
or dangerous. This can increase their motivation to search for explanations that help them
understand what is happening. Conspiracy theories may sometimes provide a simple
