1st Edition

The Psychology of Conspiracy Theories

By Jan-Willem Prooijen Copyright 2018
    118 Pages
    by Routledge

    118 Pages
    by Routledge

    Who believes in conspiracy theories, and why are some people more susceptible to them than others?

    What are the consequences of such beliefs?

    Has a conspiracy theory ever turned out to be true?

    The Psychology of Conspiracy Theories debunks the myth that conspiracy theories are a modern phenomenon, exploring their broad social contexts, from politics to the workplace. The book explains why some people are more susceptible to these beliefs than others and how they are produced by recognizable and predictable psychological processes.

    Featuring examples such as the 9/11 terrorist attacks and climate change, The Psychology of Conspiracy Theories shows us that while such beliefs are not always irrational and are not a pathological trait, they can be harmful to individuals and society.

      Preface

      Chapter 1 –Psychology of Conspiracy Theories

      Chapter 2 – When do People Believe Conspiracy Theories?

      Chapter 3 – The Architecture of Belief

      Chapter 4 – The Social Roots of Conspiracy Theories

      Chapter 5 – Conspiracy Theories and Ideology

      Chapter 6 – Explaining and Reducing Conspiracy Theories

      Further Reading

      Notes

      References

    Biography

    Jan-Willem van Prooijen is an Associate Professor of Social and Organizational Psychology at VU Amsterdam, and Senior Researcher at the Netherlands Institute for the Study of Crime and Law Enforcement.