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

Author

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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)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Marilena Mousoulidou & Michailina Siakalli & Andri Christodoulou & Marios Argyrides, 2023. "Conspiracy Theories, Trust in Science, and Knowledge during the Third Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Cyprus," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(17), pages 1-15, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:17:p:6710-:d:1232809
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Marilena Mousoulidou & Andri Christodoulou & Michailina Siakalli & Marios Argyrides, 2023. "The Role of Conspiracy Theories, Perceived Risk, and Trust in Science on COVID-19 Vaccination Decisiveness: Evidence from Cyprus," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(4), pages 1-15, February.
    2. van Mulukom, Valerie & Pummerer, Lotte J. & Alper, Sinan & Bai, Hui & Čavojová, Vladimíra & Farias, Jessica & Kay, Cameron S. & Lazarevic, Ljiljana B. & Lobato, Emilio J.C. & Marinthe, Gaëlle & Pavela, 2022. "Antecedents and consequences of COVID-19 conspiracy beliefs: A systematic review," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 301(C).
    3. Malik Sallam & Deema Dababseh & Alaa’ Yaseen & Ayat Al-Haidar & Nidaa A. Ababneh & Faris G. Bakri & Azmi Mahafzah, 2020. "Conspiracy Beliefs Are Associated with Lower Knowledge and Higher Anxiety Levels Regarding COVID-19 among Students at the University of Jordan," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(14), pages 1-15, July.
    4. Marios Constantinou & Antonios Kagialis & Maria Karekla, 2021. "COVID-19 Scientific Facts vs. Conspiracy Theories: Is Science Failing to Pass Its Message?," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(12), pages 1-10, June.
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