Conspiracy Beliefs as Coping Behavior: Life Stressors, Powerlessness, and Extreme Beliefs

Using a survey of 977 US citizens, this book explores who? and why? individuals sometimes adopt conspiracy beliefs. The authors evaluate a three-step psychological sequence in which individuals experiencing intense life stressors, combined with powerlessness, have increased risk for extreme beliefs, which they argue is due to cognitive coping.

Helen M. Hendy is professor emeritus of psychology at Penn State Schuylkill. Pamela Black is professor of criminal justice at Penn State Hazelton and the Discipline Coordinator for Social Sciences and Education in the University College.