University Presentation Showcase: Undergraduate Division
Darkness and Light: The Connection Between Personality and Conspiracy Beliefs
Presenter Hometown
Lancaster, Kentucky
Major
Psychology
Department
Psychology
Degree
Undergraduate
Mentor
Jerry K. Palmer
Mentor Department
Psychology
Recommended Citation
Daugherty, Hannah, "Darkness and Light: The Connection Between Personality and Conspiracy Beliefs" (2023). University Presentation Showcase Event. 40.
https://encompass.eku.edu/swps/2023/undergraduate/40
Abstract
Conspiracy theories are becoming a large part of the modern cultural zeitgeist. Past research has shown connections between conspiracy belief systems and several types of personality traits, from the Big 5 Personality Traits to HEXACO. Connections have also been found between Conspiracy Beliefs and the Dark Triad of Personality—Narcissism, Machiavellianism, and Psychopathy. However, no published studies have examined Conspiracy Beliefs in connection to the Light Triad of Personality—Humanism, Kantianism, and Faith in Humanity. The present study examined both Light and Dark Triad traits as potential predictors of Conspiracy Beliefs. Eastern Kentucky University students (n=144) completed surveys on these beliefs and traits. Results indicated that Dark Triad traits were significant positive predictors of Conspiracy Beliefs. Interestingly, Light Triad traits showed no significant connection with Conspiracy Beliefs but were negatively correlated with Dark Triad traits. This suggests that while Light Triad traits negatively predict Dark Triad traits, they are not predictive of Conspiracy Beliefs. The results present an interesting question—Do Conspiracy Believers feel that exposing others to those theories is for the greater good?
Keywords: Conspiracy Belief, Dark Triad, Light Triad, Personality, Conspiracy Theories
Presentation format
Poster
Darkness and Light: The Connection Between Personality and Conspiracy Beliefs
Conspiracy theories are becoming a large part of the modern cultural zeitgeist. Past research has shown connections between conspiracy belief systems and several types of personality traits, from the Big 5 Personality Traits to HEXACO. Connections have also been found between Conspiracy Beliefs and the Dark Triad of Personality—Narcissism, Machiavellianism, and Psychopathy. However, no published studies have examined Conspiracy Beliefs in connection to the Light Triad of Personality—Humanism, Kantianism, and Faith in Humanity. The present study examined both Light and Dark Triad traits as potential predictors of Conspiracy Beliefs. Eastern Kentucky University students (n=144) completed surveys on these beliefs and traits. Results indicated that Dark Triad traits were significant positive predictors of Conspiracy Beliefs. Interestingly, Light Triad traits showed no significant connection with Conspiracy Beliefs but were negatively correlated with Dark Triad traits. This suggests that while Light Triad traits negatively predict Dark Triad traits, they are not predictive of Conspiracy Beliefs. The results present an interesting question—Do Conspiracy Believers feel that exposing others to those theories is for the greater good?
Keywords: Conspiracy Belief, Dark Triad, Light Triad, Personality, Conspiracy Theories
