Conspiracy Thinking Unveiled: The Influence of Dark Triad Personality Traits (Narcissism, Machiavellianism, and Psychopathy) and Light Triad Personality Traits (Empathy, Compassion, and Altruism) on Belief in Conspiracy

Conspiracy theories can significantly impact societal trust and cohesion, making the psychological factors that predict conspiracy thinking a critical area of study. This research examined the relationship between personality traits, including narcissism, Machiavellianism, interpersonal manipulation, and prosocial traits such as faith in humanity and Kantianism, and the propensity to endorse conspiracy theories. A diverse sample of ۷۵۸ adults was recruited through online platforms and assessed using validated psychometric scales. Data analysis involved Pearson correlation and forward stepwise linear regression to identify key personality predictors of conspiracy thinking .The findings revealed that narcissism was the strongest positive predictor of conspiracy thinking, indicating a robust association between self-centered attitudes and the endorsement of conspiratorial narratives. Conversely, prosocial traits, particularly faith in humanity and Kantianism, were significant negative predictors, suggesting that individuals with a positive orientation towards others may be less prone to conspiracy beliefs. These results underscore the complex interplay between personality traits and belief systems.The study's implications extend to the development of targeted interventions aimed at reducing susceptibility to conspiracy theories. By promoting prosocial traits and critical thinking skills, it may be possible to mitigate the spread of misinformation and its societal consequences. This research contributes to the broader understanding of the psychological profiles associated with conspiracy thinking and offers insights into potential strategies for fostering resilience against misinformation.

کلیدواژه ها:

Conspiracy Thinking ، Narcissism ، Machiavellianism ، Prosocial Traits