The key finding
Researchers analyzed 971 effect sizes from 279 independent studies involving 137,406 participants and discovered that conspiracy beliefs are significantly associated with three distinct categories of psychological motivations. Epistemic motivations (the need to understand and make sense of the world) showed a correlation of r = .14 across 114 studies. Existential motivations (needs for safety and control) demonstrated a correlation of r = .16 across 121 studies. Social motivations related to individual, relational, and collective identity also correlated at r = .16 across 100 studies. While these effect sizes are modest, they were remarkably consistent across a decade of research, suggesting that conspiracy beliefs serve multiple psychological functions simultaneously.
What the study looked like
This 2025 meta-analysis synthesized findings from 279 independent studies published over recent years, examining how different psychological needs relate to conspiracy thinking. The research team systematically searched psychological databases for studies measuring both conspiracy beliefs and various motivational factors. The included studies used diverse methodologies—some were correlational surveys measuring existing beliefs, while others were experimental designs where researchers manipulated variables to test causal relationships. Participants ranged widely in age, nationality, and background, creating a comprehensive picture across different populations. The researchers coded each study for design type, conspiracy belief measurement method, and which motivational category was being examined, then used statistical techniques to combine results while accounting for study quality and sample size differences.
Why researchers think this happened
The authors propose that conspiracy theories appeal to people because they satisfy fundamental psychological needs. When the world feels uncertain or confusing, conspiracy narratives offer seemingly coherent explanations—fulfilling epistemic needs. When people feel powerless or threatened, believing that events are controlled by hidden groups paradoxically provides a sense that the world is orderly rather than random—addressing existential needs for security. Socially, conspiracy beliefs can strengthen group identity by defining clear in-groups and out-groups, helping people feel connected to like-minded others. The study builds on decades of psychological research showing that humans are motivated reasoners who adopt beliefs partly based on what those beliefs do for them psychologically. The researchers note considerable variation across studies, suggesting that context, individual differences, and how conspiracy beliefs are measured all matter significantly.
How to read this carefully
This meta-analysis reveals associations, not proof that these motives cause conspiracy beliefs. The correlations observed (around r = .14–.16) are statistically significant but modest in magnitude, meaning these motivations explain only a small portion of why someone believes conspiracies. Importantly, when experimental studies were isolated from correlational ones, the relationships became weaker, suggesting that some of the correlation may reflect other unmeasured factors rather than direct causation. The substantial heterogeneity across studies indicates that findings varied depending on which specific conspiracy theories were measured and which populations were studied. Cultural context, political climate, and individual personality likely play important moderating roles that this broad synthesis couldn’t fully capture.
What this means for everyday life
Understanding that conspiracy beliefs serve psychological functions helps explain why simply presenting facts often fails to change minds—these beliefs aren’t just about information, but about meeting deeper needs. If you’re concerned about a friend or family member drawn to conspiracy thinking, this research suggests that addressing underlying needs for understanding, security, or belonging might be more effective than debating evidence. For yourself, recognizing when you’re attracted to a conspiratorial explanation might prompt reflection: Am I drawn to this because it makes me feel more in control, or because it reinforces my group identity? The research doesn’t suggest conspiracy believers are irrational, but rather that we’re all vulnerable when our psychological needs aren’t met through healthier means. Building genuine community connections, developing critical thinking skills, and cultivating comfort with uncertainty may reduce susceptibility to conspiratorial thinking.