Authors：Jia-Yan Mao，Zhao-Xie Zeng，Shen-Long Yang，Yong-Yu Guo，Jan-Willem van Prooijen

Abstract：By distinguishing between ingroup versus outgroup conspiracy theories, this research seeks to explain a paradox in conspiracy theory research, namely, that conspiracy beliefs are associated with both derogation and justification of the social system. Study 1 (N=1,481) was a survey in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic in China, and the results revealed a negative correlation between belief in ingroup conspiracy theories and system-justifying beliefs. In Study 2 (N=195), exposure to outgroup conspiracy theories positively predicted system-justifying beliefs, a finding that was serially mediated by external attributions and collective narcissism. In Study 3 (N=256), exposure to ingroup conspiracy theories negatively predicted system justifying beliefs, a result that was serially mediated by internal attributions and anomie. In Study 4 (N=616), exposure to a conspiracy theory about the US government increased system-justifying beliefs among Chinese participants and decreased them among US participants. The distinction between ingroup versus outgroup conspiracy theories hence implies two different processes through which conspiracy theories affect system-justifying beliefs.
KEYWORDS：anomie, attribution, belief in conspiracy theories, collective narcissism, system-justifying belief

文献下载：Political Psychology - 2023 - Mao.pdf

编辑|人格与社会课题组 宋丹丹