This book provides new answers to who and psychologically why individuals sometimes adopt conspiracy beliefs and thoughts of violence. Five conspiracy beliefs are considered: Government Malfeasance, Malevolent World Power, Extra-terrestrial Cover-up, Personal Well-being Threat, and Control of Information. Using a survey of 977 US citizens, the book compares thirteen possible demographic characteristics (who?) to see which ones are most associated with extreme beliefs. The book then evaluates a three-step psychological sequence (why?) in which individuals experiencing intense life stressors (health, money, or loneliness), combined with powerlessness (displayed as PTSD symptoms), have increased risk for extreme beliefs, perhaps because they offer a sense of understanding, strength, and community.

About the Author

Helen M. Hendy is professor emeritus of psychology at Penn State Schuylkill.

Pamela Black is professor of criminal justice at Penn State Hazelton and the Discipline Coordinator for Social Sciences and Education in the University College.

Reviews

"Since the January 6, 2021 storming of the US capital by insurrectionists who believed the rigged-election conspiracy theory, it has become evident that conspiracism has risen from the margins of culture to the highest levels of society. Understanding why people believe conspiracy theories is now one of the most important problems to solve in social science, and in their new book, Helen M. Hendy and Pamela Black offer new research to explain who tends to adopt extreme beliefs and the psychological reasons why they do so. This important work is a must read for anyone interested in this existential threat to our democracy."

-- Michael Shermer, Publisher Skeptic magazine, Presidential Fellow Chapman University

"Conspiracy Beliefs as Coping Behavior: Life Stressors, Powerlessness, and Extreme Beliefs by Helen M. Hendy and Pamela Black is a must read for any scholar of conspiracy theories, misinformation, and fake news. The authors cover new ground by linking understudied psychological traits and experiences to extreme beliefs and violence; I strongly recommend for anyone concerned about our current state of political rancor."

-- Joseph E. Uscinski, University of Miami



Book Information
ISBN 9781666904055
Author Helen M. Hendy
Format Paperback
Page Count 190
Imprint Lexington Books/Fortress Academic
Publisher Lexington Books
Weight(grams) 268g
Dimensions(mm) 228mm * 152mm * 11mm