Conspiracy Theories, Trust in Science, and Knowledge during the Third Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Cyprus

Marilena Mousoulidou (), Michailina Siakalli, Andri Christodoulou and Marios Argyrides
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Marilena Mousoulidou: Department of Psychology, Neapolis University Pafos, Paphos 8042, Cyprus
Michailina Siakalli: Department of Psychology, Neapolis University Pafos, Paphos 8042, Cyprus
Andri Christodoulou: Department of Psychology, Neapolis University Pafos, Paphos 8042, Cyprus
Marios Argyrides: Department of Psychology, Neapolis University Pafos, Paphos 8042, Cyprus

IJERPH, 2023, vol. 20, issue 17, 1-15

Abstract: Conspiracy theories flourish during periods of crisis. One way to counteract the believability of conspiracy theories is trust in science and knowledge about the “perceived threat”, such as the SARS-CoV-2 virus. A total of 363 adults from Cyprus were recruited via convenience and snowball sampling methods. The data were collected via an internet-based questionnaire that examined participants’ belief in 17 conspiracy theory statements, trust in science and scientists, knowledge about the symptoms and the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, phobic anxiety, hostility, somatization, and personality traits based on the Big Five. The results suggest (a) the overall belief in conspiracy theories in Cyprus is low, even though a notable percentage holds a neutral stance towards these theories; (b) trust in science and knowledge about the symptoms and the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus is negatively related to conspiracy theories, indicating the importance of trusting science and having knowledge as a means to counteract conspiracy theories; (c) young adults, those residing in rural areas, and those with a low education level are more likely to believe in conspiracy theories; (d) there are no significant associations between conspiracy theories and the psychological dimensions of phobic anxiety, hostility, and somatization; (e) there is difficulty in identifying specific traits related to conspiracy ideation. Public health officials could benefit from the findings when communicating information during periods of crisis.

Keywords: COVID-19; pandemic; conspiracy theories; trust in science; knowledge; Cyprus (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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