Skip to main content
Kent Academic Repository

Why do narcissists find conspiracy theories so appealing?

Cichocka, Aleksandra, Marchlewska, Marta, Biddlestone, Mikey (2022) Why do narcissists find conspiracy theories so appealing? Current Opinion in Psychology, 47 . Article Number 101386. ISSN 2352-250X. (doi:10.1016/j.copsyc.2022.101386) (KAR id:95669)

Abstract

Narcissism — a conviction about one’s superiority and entitlement to special treatment—is a robust predictor of belief in conspiracy theories. Recent developments in the study of narcissism suggest that it has three components: antagonism, agentic extraversion, and neuroticism. We argue that each of these components of narcissism might predispose people to endorse conspiracy theories due to different psychological processes. Specifically, we discuss the role of paranoia, gullibility, and the needs for dominance, control, and uniqueness. We also review parallel findings for narcissistic beliefs about one’s social groups. We consider the wider implications this research might have, especially for political leadership. We conclude by discussing outstanding questions about sharing conspiracy theories and other forms of misinformation.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2022.101386
Uncontrolled keywords: Narcissism, Collective narcissism, Conspiracy theories, Paranoia, Uniqueness
Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Human and Social Sciences > School of Psychology
Depositing User: Aleksandra Cichocka
Date Deposited: 04 Jul 2022 13:56 UTC
Last Modified: 07 Sep 2022 11:14 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/95669 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

Cichocka, Aleksandra.

Creator's ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1703-1586
CReDIT Contributor Roles:

Biddlestone, Mikey.

Creator's ORCID:
CReDIT Contributor Roles:
  • Depositors only (login required):

Total unique views for this document in KAR since July 2020. For more details click on the image.