HRPYC81
Assignment 4 Project 5 2026
Unique number:
Due Date: 2026
Detailed solutions, explanations, workings
and references.
+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.
.
Varsity Cube 2026 +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
Varsity Cube 2026 +27 81 278 3372
Assignment 4 Project 5 2026
Unique number:
Due Date: 2026
Detailed solutions, explanations, workings
and references.
+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.
.
Varsity Cube 2026 +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
Varsity Cube 2026 +27 81 278 3372
