People with a high conspiracy mentality tend to have relatively negative self-views; we don't know the causal link and maximum effect magnitude

Stasielowicz, Lukasz. 2022. “Core Self-evaluations and Conspiracy Mentality.” PsyArXiv. August 5. doi:10.31234/osf.io/sznc9

Abstract: There is mixed evidence of the relationship between conspiracy beliefs and self-appraisal constructs (self-esteem, self-efficacy, or neuroticism). However, in personality research, examining common elements of the three personality traits can be more useful than investigating traits separately. Therefore, the present study examined the relationship between core self-evaluations (CSE) and conspiracy mentality. Based on data of 596 participants, a small negative correlation was found using structural equation modeling (r = -.13, CR 95% [-.22, -.04]). People with a high conspiracy mentality tend to have relatively negative self-views. Future longitudinal studies could help clarify the causal link and maximum effect magnitude.