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Conspiracy endorsement and its associations with personality functioning, anxiety, loneliness, and sociodemographic characteristics during the COVID-19 pandemic in a representative sample of the German population

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  • Nora Hettich
  • Manfred E Beutel
  • Mareike Ernst
  • Clara Schliessler
  • Hanna Kampling
  • Johannes Kruse
  • Elmar Braehler

Abstract

Background: In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, many individuals have been found to endorse conspiracy beliefs. Socio-demographic variables, personality functioning, anxiety, and loneliness could be risk factors for this endorsement. Methods: In a representative sample of the German population (N = 2,503) measures of conspiracy mentality, conspiracy-related beliefs toward COVID-19, personality functioning (OPD-SQS), anxiety (HADS), and loneliness (UCLA) were assessed. Pearson product-moment correlations and multiple linear regression analyses were conducted. Results: Conspiracy mentality and conspiracy-related beliefs toward COVID-19 were strongly correlated. Regression analyses found younger age, male gender, lower education, and lower income to be associated with conspiracy mentality. The subscales relationship model and self-perception of the OPD-SQS were positively related to conspiracy mentality whereas interpersonal contact was negatively associated. Higher levels of anxiety were statistically predictive for conspiracy mentality. Conclusion: Our findings indicate a contribution of personality functioning to the understanding of conspiracy mentality and thus to the advancement of interventions during the pandemic.

Suggested Citation

  • Nora Hettich & Manfred E Beutel & Mareike Ernst & Clara Schliessler & Hanna Kampling & Johannes Kruse & Elmar Braehler, 2022. "Conspiracy endorsement and its associations with personality functioning, anxiety, loneliness, and sociodemographic characteristics during the COVID-19 pandemic in a representative sample of the Germa," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 17(1), pages 1-15, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0263301
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0263301
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