HRPYC81
Project 5 Assignment 4 2026
Unique number:
Due Date: 2026
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ANXIETY, TRUST AND CONSPIRACY THEORY
BELIEFS AMONG ADULTS IN SOUTH AFRICA
ABSTRACT
The present study examined the relationship between anxiety, trust, and conspiracy theory
beliefs among adults in South Africa. Conspiracy theory beliefs have been associated with
uncertainty, institutional distrust, and psychological distress, making them particularly
relevant in socio-political contexts characterised by inequality and governance challenges
(Douglas et al., 2019). The study aimed to test whether higher levels of anxiety and lower
levels of trust are associated with stronger endorsement of conspiracy theory beliefs. A
quantitative cross-sectional survey design was employed, using data collected through an
online questionnaire administered via Qualtrics. The sample consisted of adult participants
aged 18 years and older, with data pooled across multiple student researchers to increase
sample size and variability. Conspiracy theory beliefs were measured using the Composite
Conspiracy Belief Scale (Talò, 2025), anxiety was assessed using the Depression Anxiety
Stress Scales (Lovibond & Lovibond, 1995), and trust was measured using the General
DISCLAIMER & TERMS OF USE
Educational Aid: These study notes are intended to be used as educational resources and should not be seen as a
replacement for individual research, critical analysis, or professional consultation. Students are encouraged to perform
their own research and seek advice from their instructors or academic advisors for specific assignment guidelines.
Personal Responsibility: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information in
these study notes, the seller does not guarantee the completeness or correctness of all content. The buyer is
responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information and exercising their own judgment when applying it to their
assignments.
Academic Integrity: It is essential for students to maintain academic integrity and follow their institution's policies
regarding plagiarism, citation, and referencing. These study notes should be used as learning tools and sources of
inspiration. Any direct reproduction of the content without proper citation and acknowledgment may be considered
academic misconduct.
Limited Liability: The seller shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from
the use of these notes. This includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, penalties, or any other negative
consequences resulting from the application or misuse of the information provided.
, For additional support +27 81 278 3372
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ANXIETY, TRUST AND CONSPIRACY THEORY
BELIEFS AMONG ADULTS IN SOUTH AFRICA
Abstract
The present study examined the relationship between anxiety, trust, and conspiracy
theory beliefs among adults in South Africa. Conspiracy theory beliefs have been
associated with uncertainty, institutional distrust, and psychological distress, making
them particularly relevant in socio-political contexts characterised by inequality and
governance challenges (Douglas et al., 2019). The study aimed to test whether
higher levels of anxiety and lower levels of trust are associated with stronger
endorsement of conspiracy theory beliefs. A quantitative cross-sectional survey
design was employed, using data collected through an online questionnaire
administered via Qualtrics. The sample consisted of adult participants aged 18 years
and older, with data pooled across multiple student researchers to increase sample
size and variability. Conspiracy theory beliefs were measured using the Composite
Conspiracy Belief Scale (Talò, 2025), anxiety was assessed using the Depression
Anxiety Stress Scales (Lovibond & Lovibond, 1995), and trust was measured using
the General Trust Scale (Yamagishi & Yamagishi, 1994).
The results indicated a statistically significant positive relationship between anxiety
and conspiracy theory beliefs, suggesting that individuals with higher anxiety levels
were more likely to endorse conspiratorial explanations. In addition, a statistically
significant negative relationship was found between trust and conspiracy theory
beliefs, indicating that lower levels of trust were associated with stronger conspiracy
belief endorsement. These findings support the proposed hypotheses and highlight
the role of emotional and social factors in shaping conspiracy thinking. The study
contributes to the understanding of conspiracy theory beliefs within the South African
context by demonstrating how anxiety and trust interact to influence belief formation.
The findings have implications for interventions aimed at improving public trust and
addressing psychological vulnerability to misinformation.
.
, For additional support +27 81 278 3372
1. INTRODUCTION
Conspiracy theory beliefs have become increasingly prominent in contemporary
societies, particularly in contexts marked by uncertainty, inequality, and declining
institutional trust. These beliefs refer to explanations of events that attribute causality
to secret, coordinated actions by powerful groups acting with harmful intent (van
Prooijen & Douglas, 2018). In South Africa, persistent socio-economic inequality,
corruption, and service delivery challenges have created conditions in which
individuals may question official explanations and become more susceptible to
conspiratorial thinking (Cordonier & Cafiero, 2024). Understanding the psychological
factors associated with conspiracy beliefs is therefore critical, as such beliefs can
undermine public health initiatives, reduce institutional trust, and contribute to social
division (Douglas et al., 2019).
Emotional and social factors play a central role in the development of conspiracy
theory beliefs. Anxiety has been identified as a key emotional driver, as individuals
experiencing uncertainty and distress are more likely to seek explanations that
provide structure and predictability (Krüppel et al., 2023). Conspiracy beliefs offer
simplified causal narratives that can temporarily reduce psychological discomfort. At
the same time, trust represents an important social factor that shapes how
individuals evaluate information. Low levels of trust in institutions and authorities
increase the likelihood of rejecting official accounts and endorsing alternative
explanations (Jennings et al., 2021).
The present study examines the relationship between anxiety, trust, and conspiracy
theory beliefs within the South African context. Specifically, the study investigates
whether higher levels of anxiety and lower levels of trust are associated with stronger
endorsement of conspiracy beliefs. These constructs were examined using a
quantitative cross-sectional survey design, allowing for the statistical analysis of
relationships between variables. By focusing on these factors, the study aims to
contribute to a deeper understanding of the psychological processes underlying
conspiracy theory beliefs and to inform strategies aimed at addressing their negative
societal consequences.
2. LITERATURE REVIEW
Project 5 Assignment 4 2026
Unique number:
Due Date: 2026
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ANXIETY, TRUST AND CONSPIRACY THEORY
BELIEFS AMONG ADULTS IN SOUTH AFRICA
ABSTRACT
The present study examined the relationship between anxiety, trust, and conspiracy theory
beliefs among adults in South Africa. Conspiracy theory beliefs have been associated with
uncertainty, institutional distrust, and psychological distress, making them particularly
relevant in socio-political contexts characterised by inequality and governance challenges
(Douglas et al., 2019). The study aimed to test whether higher levels of anxiety and lower
levels of trust are associated with stronger endorsement of conspiracy theory beliefs. A
quantitative cross-sectional survey design was employed, using data collected through an
online questionnaire administered via Qualtrics. The sample consisted of adult participants
aged 18 years and older, with data pooled across multiple student researchers to increase
sample size and variability. Conspiracy theory beliefs were measured using the Composite
Conspiracy Belief Scale (Talò, 2025), anxiety was assessed using the Depression Anxiety
Stress Scales (Lovibond & Lovibond, 1995), and trust was measured using the General
DISCLAIMER & TERMS OF USE
Educational Aid: These study notes are intended to be used as educational resources and should not be seen as a
replacement for individual research, critical analysis, or professional consultation. Students are encouraged to perform
their own research and seek advice from their instructors or academic advisors for specific assignment guidelines.
Personal Responsibility: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information in
these study notes, the seller does not guarantee the completeness or correctness of all content. The buyer is
responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information and exercising their own judgment when applying it to their
assignments.
Academic Integrity: It is essential for students to maintain academic integrity and follow their institution's policies
regarding plagiarism, citation, and referencing. These study notes should be used as learning tools and sources of
inspiration. Any direct reproduction of the content without proper citation and acknowledgment may be considered
academic misconduct.
Limited Liability: The seller shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from
the use of these notes. This includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, penalties, or any other negative
consequences resulting from the application or misuse of the information provided.
, For additional support +27 81 278 3372
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ANXIETY, TRUST AND CONSPIRACY THEORY
BELIEFS AMONG ADULTS IN SOUTH AFRICA
Abstract
The present study examined the relationship between anxiety, trust, and conspiracy
theory beliefs among adults in South Africa. Conspiracy theory beliefs have been
associated with uncertainty, institutional distrust, and psychological distress, making
them particularly relevant in socio-political contexts characterised by inequality and
governance challenges (Douglas et al., 2019). The study aimed to test whether
higher levels of anxiety and lower levels of trust are associated with stronger
endorsement of conspiracy theory beliefs. A quantitative cross-sectional survey
design was employed, using data collected through an online questionnaire
administered via Qualtrics. The sample consisted of adult participants aged 18 years
and older, with data pooled across multiple student researchers to increase sample
size and variability. Conspiracy theory beliefs were measured using the Composite
Conspiracy Belief Scale (Talò, 2025), anxiety was assessed using the Depression
Anxiety Stress Scales (Lovibond & Lovibond, 1995), and trust was measured using
the General Trust Scale (Yamagishi & Yamagishi, 1994).
The results indicated a statistically significant positive relationship between anxiety
and conspiracy theory beliefs, suggesting that individuals with higher anxiety levels
were more likely to endorse conspiratorial explanations. In addition, a statistically
significant negative relationship was found between trust and conspiracy theory
beliefs, indicating that lower levels of trust were associated with stronger conspiracy
belief endorsement. These findings support the proposed hypotheses and highlight
the role of emotional and social factors in shaping conspiracy thinking. The study
contributes to the understanding of conspiracy theory beliefs within the South African
context by demonstrating how anxiety and trust interact to influence belief formation.
The findings have implications for interventions aimed at improving public trust and
addressing psychological vulnerability to misinformation.
.
, For additional support +27 81 278 3372
1. INTRODUCTION
Conspiracy theory beliefs have become increasingly prominent in contemporary
societies, particularly in contexts marked by uncertainty, inequality, and declining
institutional trust. These beliefs refer to explanations of events that attribute causality
to secret, coordinated actions by powerful groups acting with harmful intent (van
Prooijen & Douglas, 2018). In South Africa, persistent socio-economic inequality,
corruption, and service delivery challenges have created conditions in which
individuals may question official explanations and become more susceptible to
conspiratorial thinking (Cordonier & Cafiero, 2024). Understanding the psychological
factors associated with conspiracy beliefs is therefore critical, as such beliefs can
undermine public health initiatives, reduce institutional trust, and contribute to social
division (Douglas et al., 2019).
Emotional and social factors play a central role in the development of conspiracy
theory beliefs. Anxiety has been identified as a key emotional driver, as individuals
experiencing uncertainty and distress are more likely to seek explanations that
provide structure and predictability (Krüppel et al., 2023). Conspiracy beliefs offer
simplified causal narratives that can temporarily reduce psychological discomfort. At
the same time, trust represents an important social factor that shapes how
individuals evaluate information. Low levels of trust in institutions and authorities
increase the likelihood of rejecting official accounts and endorsing alternative
explanations (Jennings et al., 2021).
The present study examines the relationship between anxiety, trust, and conspiracy
theory beliefs within the South African context. Specifically, the study investigates
whether higher levels of anxiety and lower levels of trust are associated with stronger
endorsement of conspiracy beliefs. These constructs were examined using a
quantitative cross-sectional survey design, allowing for the statistical analysis of
relationships between variables. By focusing on these factors, the study aims to
contribute to a deeper understanding of the psychological processes underlying
conspiracy theory beliefs and to inform strategies aimed at addressing their negative
societal consequences.
2. LITERATURE REVIEW
