City Research Online

Abstract

Background Research has consistently identified the tendency of minority ethnic groups to more strongly endorse universal conspiracy theories (where the general public is targeted) as well as ingroup conspiratorial beliefs (where one’s ethnic group is specifically targeted). However, the two types of conspiratorial beliefs have been studied in isolation, and thus their relationship remains unknown. Methods Across two studies, we assessed both universal and ingroup conspiratorial beliefs in an ethnically diverse sample from the United Kingdom (n = 900 across Black, South Asian, and white ethnic/racial groups) and United States (n = 900 across Black, Hispanic, and White ethnic/racial groups). Moreover, we explored institutional trust, lack of group recognition, and discrimination as potential predictors of ingroup conspiratorial beliefs. Results Our results indicate that ethnic minority groups’ greater support for universal conspiratorial beliefs emerges fully from their support for ingroup conspiracy theories. Further, lack of group recognition, but not institutional trust nor discrimination, predicted ingroup conspiratorial beliefs. Conclusions Interventions aimed at decreasing conspiratorial beliefs as a barrier to health-protective behaviours in ethnic communities should focus on measures that address ingroup, rather than universal, conspiratorial belief.

Publication Type:	Article
Publisher Keywords:	conspiracy, misinformation, ethnic minority groups, ingroup, COVID
Subjects:	D History General and Old World > DA Great Britain E History America > E151 United States (General) H Social Sciences > HN Social history and conditions. Social problems. Social reform
Departments:	School of Health & Medical Sciences School of Health & Medical Sciences > Psychology
SWORD Depositor:	Symplectic Administrator

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