Psychological context of conspiracy beliefs

The review study focuses on conspiracy theories, which is frequently discussed topic m these days, especially due to potential negative impact on society. The study provides a review of basic psychological theories and approaches dealing with conspiracies and defines basic terms related to this topic as conspiracy theories or conspiracy mentality. The psychological explanations of conspiracy beliefs acceptance involve several underlying psychological processes such as personality and psychopathology, intro and inter-group dynamics, uncertainty and control management or evolutionary based cognitive mechanisms. Possible negative consequences of conspiracies include aggressive behavior, increasing prejudices or negative health-related attitudes or behavior. The study concludes that conspiracy theories should be considered as complex, multifactorial phenomenon resulting from interplay of personality, cognitive and social factors.