HRPYC81
PROJECT 5: The Psychology of Conspiracy Beliefs
Assignment 4 RESEARCH REPORT 2026
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
Trust Scale (Yamagishi & Yamagishi, 1994). Terms of use
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document as a guide for learning, comparison and reference purpose,
Terms of use
Not to duplicate, reproduce and/or misrepresent the contents of this document as your own work,
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document
Fully accept the consequences
solely as a guide forshould you plagiarise
learning, reference,or and
misuse this document.
comparison purposes,
Ensure originality of your own work, and fully accept the consequences should you plagiarise or misuse this document.
Comply with all relevant standards, guidelines, regulations, and legislation governing academic and written work.
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is" without any express or
implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or liability for any actions taken based on the
information contained within this document. This document is intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes.
Reproduction, resale, or transmission of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
, +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.
.
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is"
without any express or implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or
liability for any actions taken based on the information contained within this document. This document is
intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes. Reproduction, resale, or transmission
of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
, +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
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is"
without any express or implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or
liability for any actions taken based on the information contained within this document. This document is
intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes. Reproduction, resale, or transmission
of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
PROJECT 5: The Psychology of Conspiracy Beliefs
Assignment 4 RESEARCH REPORT 2026
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
Trust Scale (Yamagishi & Yamagishi, 1994). Terms of use
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document as a guide for learning, comparison and reference purpose,
Terms of use
Not to duplicate, reproduce and/or misrepresent the contents of this document as your own work,
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document
Fully accept the consequences
solely as a guide forshould you plagiarise
learning, reference,or and
misuse this document.
comparison purposes,
Ensure originality of your own work, and fully accept the consequences should you plagiarise or misuse this document.
Comply with all relevant standards, guidelines, regulations, and legislation governing academic and written work.
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is" without any express or
implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or liability for any actions taken based on the
information contained within this document. This document is intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes.
Reproduction, resale, or transmission of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
, +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.
.
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is"
without any express or implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or
liability for any actions taken based on the information contained within this document. This document is
intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes. Reproduction, resale, or transmission
of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
, +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
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is"
without any express or implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or
liability for any actions taken based on the information contained within this document. This document is
intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes. Reproduction, resale, or transmission
of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
