An interpretation of meta-analytical evidence for the link between collective narcissism and conspiracy theories

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Golec de Zavala, Agnieszka; Bierwiaczonek, Kinga and Ciesielski, Pawel. 2022. An interpretation of meta-analytical evidence for the link between collective narcissism and conspiracy theories. Current Opinion in Psychology, 47, 101360. ISSN 2352-250X [Article]

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Abstract or Description

Meta-analytical evidence indicates the robust association between collective narcissism and conspiracy theories is moderated by the content of conspiracy theories. Belief in conspiracies of specific outgroups fits collective narcissistic posture of intergroup hostility but collective narcissism is also bound to other conspiracy theories because it simultaneously comprises a committed belief (that the ingroup is great) and a threatening belief (that the ingroup is unrecognized). This creates compensatory motivations to believe in conspiracy theories that protect the committed belief and to seize on any conspiracy theory as a meaning-making activity. Collective narcissism and conspiracy theories may also co-occur because they serve to coordinate undemocratic leaders and their constituencies. They produce threatening environments that justify coercion, violence and undemocratic governance.

Item Type:

Article

Identification Number (DOI):

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.copsyc.2022.101360

Additional Information:

Supplementary data to this article can be found online at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.copsyc.2022.101360.

Keywords:

Collective narcissism, Conspiracy theory, Conspiracy mindset, Meta-analysis, Populism, Meaning maintenance

Departments, Centres and Research Units:

Psychology

Dates: