Why are conspiracy theories so prevalent in Mormon communities? In this essay series we explore how the ideas and practices that shape Mormon culture may contribute to the enculturation of a conspiracist worldview. Each essay briefly summarizes the research literature on the psychosocial motives supporting conspiracy beliefs before suggesting parallels in the cultural dynamics of Mormon communities.
In the (Epistemic) Mind of a Mormon Conspiracist
The first in a series of essays summarizing my research into the social psychology of conspiracy belief and how it relates to the prevalence of conspiracy theories in Mormon communities. In this installment, we look at the epistemic motives that drive conspiracy ideation and explore how those same factors are expressed in Mormon culture.
In the (Existential) Mind of a Mormon Conspiracist
The second installment in a series of essays exploring the social psychology of conspiracy belief and how it applies to socialization in Mormon communities. In this essay, we’ll explore the existential motives of conspiracy belief and how Mormon social dynamics may promote attitudes and behaviors correlated with conspiracy ideation.
In the (Social) Mind of a Mormon Conspiracist
Conspiracy beliefs are often motivated by social factors, such as the needs for belonging, uniqueness, and positive self-image. In this third part of our series, we explore how social dynamics in Mormon communities may encourage the development of conspiracist attitudes.
In the (Quasi-Religious) Mind of a Mormon Conspiritualist
In the previous essays, we have summarized the research literature on the cognitive and behavioral correlates of conspiracy belief along three general categories—epistemic, existential, and social motives. In this essay, we will explore the functional similarities between religious and conspiracist discourse, using Mormonism as an ethnographic lens.