Factors for conspiracy beliefs researched

In the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, the power of conspiracy theories became clear, especially in the vaccination debate. What factors reinforce belief in these delusions? Emilie Han and Eva Schernhammer from MedUni Vienna analysed this complex of issues in collaboration with the University of Continuing Education Krems as part of a study that was recently published in "SN Social Sciences". The research focussed on three sets of questions: What factors are associated with pandemic-related conspiracy beliefs during the COVID-19 pandemic? What is the relationship between education and socio-economic factors and belief in pandemic-related conspiracy theories? And: Can complexity thinking and certain personality traits be identified as "protective factors" against conspiracy beliefs? The data on these questions was collected between July and August 2021 as part of an online survey of 3,067 adults. The participants were between 18 and 90 years old, German-speaking and living in Germany, Austria or Switzerland. The questionnaire, created by members of the research team, included 74 questions on lifestyle, health and COVID-19-related measures and behaviours. The analysis took into account individual personality traits, environment-specific factors and complexity thinking. Complexity thinking refers to the ability to recognise non-evident structures and relationships in complex real-world systems, as well as the associated adaptability and self-emergent characteristics.