Anti-social Traits, Trump Support, and Conspiracy Theories

• In Event: Knowledge, Misperceptions, and Conspiracies

Abstract

In the past decade, researchers have invested greatly in better understanding the psychological, social, and political factors that promote beliefs in conspiracy theories. At the same time, researchers have found that conspiracy theory beliefs underlie many dangerous behaviors. Such relationships were on full display during the COVID-19 pandemic, with conspiracy theory beliefs being positively associated with numerous anti-social behaviors, such as the attack on the Capitol Building and the burning of 5G towers, and negatively associated with pro-social behaviors, such as vaccination. Using a unique high-powered national survey, we examine the linkages between beliefs in the conspiracy theories that were most concerning during the pandemic (those surrounding election fraud, QAnon, and COVID-19) and anti-social psychological traits and anti-establishment political views. We find that beliefs in dubious ideas, while being somewhat associated with cognitive shortcomings (e.g., a lack of education or science literacy) or social media exposure, are most strongly associated with psychopathy, a propensity toward interpersonal conflict and physical violence, and anti-establishment, pro-Trump political views.

Authors

• Joseph E. Uscinski, University of Miami

• Adam M. Enders, University of Louisville

• Casey A. Klofstad, University of Miami