Conspiracy theories abound throughout history, especially in times of crisis, such as the worldwide Covid-19 pandemic. People who believe these theories often have a sense of existential threat: a perceived danger to one’s own life or well-being. People then consume, believe, and share these theories as a way of making sense of that threat.
Why Does Conspiracy Theories Develop?
Understanding what causes conspiracy theories is essential for prevention and treatment. Research consistently shows that conspiracy theories arises from a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors — rarely from a single cause.
What Researchers Have Found
Research into conspiracy theories has identified multiple contributing pathways. Studies using neuroimaging, genetics, and longitudinal data reveal that no single factor fully explains why conspiracy theories develops.
Biological Factors
Biological contributors to conspiracy theories include:
- Genetics: Family history increases risk; certain genes influence vulnerability
- Brain chemistry: Neurotransmitter imbalances (serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine) play key roles
- Brain structure: Differences in the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and hippocampus are documented
- Physical health: Chronic illness, hormonal changes, and sleep disruption can trigger or worsen conspiracy theories
Neurological Basis
Things that do not happen for a reason are unsettling and appear menacing. That may be one reason why about half of us believe in one conspiracy theory or another. And that number is plausible, especially when some sinister actions have turned out to be true. It took tobacco companies 40 years to publicly admit that smoking causes cancer, for example. People have a tendency to prefer dispositional explanations to situational ones. When we observe an event, we are much more likely to attribute it to some intentional motive than to circumstance or happenstance. This is known as the fundamental a
Psychological Factors
- Early experiences: Childhood adversity, attachment disruption, and trauma shape psychological vulnerability
- Cognitive patterns: Negative thinking styles, perfectionism, and rumination increase risk
- Coping skills: Limited emotional regulation skills make conspiracy theories more likely under stress
- Personality: Certain traits (neuroticism, harm avoidance) are associated with higher risk
Social and Environmental Factors
Environmental factors — including chronic stress, relationship problems, financial difficulty, and major life events — can trigger conspiracy theories in vulnerable individuals.
What Triggers an Episode?
Even in people with predisposing factors, conspiracy theories often requires a triggering event:
- Major life transitions (job loss, relationship breakdown, bereavement)
- Prolonged stress without adequate recovery
- Substance use or withdrawal
- Physical illness or injury
- Social isolation or conflict
Protective Factors
Not everyone with risk factors develops conspiracy theories. Protective factors include: strong social support, effective coping skills, physical health maintenance, access to care, and psychological resilience built through prior challenges.