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.

List of contents

Preface to the second edition
Chapter 1 - The Psychology of Conspiracy Theories
Chapter 2 - Existential Threats and Conspiracy Theories
Chapter 3 - Inside the Conspiracy Theorist's Mind
Chapter 4 - The Social Roots of Conspiracy Theories
Chapter 5 - Conspiracy Theories and Radicalism
Chapter 6 - Explaining and Reducing Conspiracy Theories in a Modern World
Further Reading
References

About the author

Jan-Willem van Prooijen is Associate Professor of Social 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.

Product details

• Authors: Jan-Willem Van Prooijen
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd.
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 22.12.2025
• EAN: 9781032868585
• ISBN: 978-1-0-3286858-5
• No. of pages: 112
• Series: The Psychology of Everything
• Subjects: Guides > Spirituality > Ancient knowledge, ancient cultures; Humanities, art, music > Psychology > Theoretical psychology; Social sciences, law, business > Sociology > Sociological theories; Sociology, SOCIAL SCIENCE / Sociology / General, PSYCHOLOGY / Social Psychology, PSYCHOLOGY / General, Anthropology, SOCIAL SCIENCE / Anthropology / General, SOCIAL SCIENCE / Conspiracy Theories, Social, group or collective psychology