Rooyesh-e- Ravanshenasi Journal(RRJ)

Mendeley  

Zotero  

Nejat P, Rezvandel Ramzi F, Yalpanian F. A review of Covid-19 conspiracy theories and psychological determinants and consequences of belief in them. Rooyesh 2021; 10 (7) :199-212
URL: http://frooyesh.ir/article-1-2938-en.html

Following the worldwide outbreak of Covid-19, beliefs concerning its origin and contributing factors began to appear and disseminate in the everyday discourse of various cultures. With respect to content and structure, these beliefs conform to theories known as conspiracy theories in the social psychological literature. During the time since the outbreak of Covid-19, studies regarding predictors and consequences of belief in these theories have been conducted. The present paper aims to review and categorize findings of these studies, including the nature and content of Covid-19 conspiracy theories, their dispositional correlates, their implications for the use of preventive health strategies at the societal level, and what can be done to discontinue their dissemination. According to review studies, emotions (especially fear and anger), political orientation, optimism and pessimism, hopelessness, and uncertainty were among the most common determinants of belief in conspiracy theories. Regarding consequences, belief in conspiracy theories about Covid-19 was mostly related to less commitment to health protocols, especially keeping the social distance, expression of violence, and xenophobia. The findings of this review paper may benefit governments and public health officials, as well as associated organizations and society as a whole.