Predicting conspiracy beliefs: the role of right-wing authoritarianism and social dominance orientation

The aim of the present study was to examine a possible relationship between right-wing authoritarianism (RWA), social dominance orientation (SDO) and various forms of conspiracy thinking (conspiracy stereotyping and conspiracy beliefs about events). Prejudices measured as social distance were also included in the study. Regression analysis revealed that RWA explained almost all variables, whereas SDO explained variables connected with social groups: conspiracy stereotypes and prejudices. The association between RWA and conspiracy stereotyping was dependent on SDO, it was stronger among high-SDO individuals. Findings from the study showed that authoritarian aggression was a significant predictor of all variables. Authoritarian submission was a significant predictor of prejudices and conspiracy beliefs about events. Conventionalism was a significant predictor of conspiracy stereotyping. The obtained results were discussed in the context of conspiracy thinking and in the context of recent studies on authoritarianism. peerReviewed publishedVersion