Citation

Hebel-Sela S, Hameiri B, Halperin E. Curr. Opin. Psychol. 2022; 47: e101422.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2022, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.copsyc.2022.101422

PMID

35940134

Abstract

Conspiracy theories widely influence our social and political lives. Thus, it is no surprise that in recent years, much research has focused on the factors that may drive the belief in such theories. While we know that different contexts can lead to the development and amplification of conspiracy theories; those involving fear, uncertainty, and loss of control have been found to be particularly influential. In the current paper, we focus on one example for such context: violent intergroup conflicts. We suggest a new theoretical framework emphasizing a possible reciprocal relationship between conspiracy theories and violent intergroup conflicts: intergroup conflict enhances belief in conspiracy theories, which in turn, radicalizes the involved societies and by that hinders peaceful conflict resolution.

Language: en

Keywords

Conspiracy theories; Barriers to peace; Violent intergroup conflicts