The Psychology of Conspiracy Theories

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. Updated throughout and now featuring examples from the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2021 Capitol Hill riots, this new edition of 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.

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