Linking conspiracy beliefs to violent extremism: A test of general strain theory

• In Event: A Kaleidoscope of Ideologically-motivated Extremism: Causes, Consequences & Solutions

Abstract

A growing body of research has examined whether conspiracy believers are more likely to engage in criminal conduct, including violence. Thus far, however, the violence-related studies have tended to focus exclusively on peoples’ support for violence or intentions to commit violence. This paper extends prior research by focusing on both violent intentions and violent behaviour. Importantly, it also tests whether general strain theory can explain the link between conspiracy beliefs and violence. General strain theory explains criminal behaviours as manifestations of negative coping in response to adverse events, conditions, or treatment. We argue that conspiracy beliefs reflect a form of strain because conspiracy theories often claim that critical events and/or processes in society are the result of powerful individuals or groups (e.g. governments) secretly plotting to control or harm members of society. Such beliefs also tend to develop after adverse events or during periods of uncertainty (e.g., wars, pandemics, economic downturns). General strain theory also suggests that certain individual-level factors (e.g., legal cynicism) can mitigate or amplify the effects of strain on criminal behaviour. We empirically test these claims using survey data collected from 1595 Australians. Our findings reveal that conspiracy beliefs are positively associated with both intentions to commit violence and actual self-reported violent behaviour, and importantly, these relationships are moderated by legal cynicism. Specifically, the relationship between conspiracy belief and violence is strongest for those who express high levels of legal cynicism. The implications of these findings for general strain theory and conspiracy theory scholarship will be discussed.

Authors

• Sabryna Sas, Griffith University

• Kristina Murphy, Griffith University