The Role of Conspiracy Mentality and Paranormal Beliefs in Predicting Conspiracy Beliefs Among Neopagans

Authors

  • Asbjørn Dyrendal Norwegian University of Science and Technology
  • Leif Edward Ottesen Kennair Norwegian University of Science and Technology
  • James R. Lewis University of Tromsø

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1558/ijsnr.36716

Keywords:

Conspiracy beliefs, paranormal beliefs, Paganism, social dominance orientation, conspiracy mentality

Abstract

Recent studies on conspiracy thinking has concluded that the strongest predictor of the tendency towards conspiratorial thinking is a one-dimensional construct-conspiracy mentality-that is relatively stable over time and valid across cultures. Lantian et al. (2016) found that a single, elaborate question can work as a measure of conspiracy beliefs. We assess the validity of this question for an untypical, religious group: self-identified Neopagans. We also test some recent findings on the relation between conspiracy thinking and paranormal beliefs, attitudes towards group equality, political identification, age, gender, and education. The general patterns hold up well in our investigation, but there was a clear distinction between conspiracy theories about powerful actors and those about minorities. The single-item measure was the largest predictor of the former kind of conspiracy belief followed by level of paranormal beliefs. Anti-egalitarianism and holding a right-wing political identity were the strongest predictors of conspiracy beliefs about minorities. Education was negatively related to conspiracy beliefs of all kinds.

Author Biographies

  • Asbjørn Dyrendal, Norwegian University of Science and Technology

    Asbjørn Dyrendal is Professor in the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology. He is the co-editor of the International Journal for the Study of New Religions.

  • Leif Edward Ottesen Kennair, Norwegian University of Science and Technology

    Leif Edward Ottesen Kennair is Professor in Psychology at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology.

  • James R. Lewis, University of Tromsø

    James R. Lewis is Professor in the Department Archaeology, History, Religious Studies and Theology at the University of Tromsø, Norway.

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Published

2018-07-27

Issue

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Dyrendal, A., Kennair, L., & Lewis, J. (2018). The Role of Conspiracy Mentality and Paranormal Beliefs in Predicting Conspiracy Beliefs Among Neopagans. International Journal for the Study of New Religions, 8(1), 73-97. https://doi.org/10.1558/ijsnr.36716