Verschwörungstheorien und paranoider Wahn: Lassen sich Aspekte kognitionspsychologischer Modelle zu Entstehung und Aufrechterhaltung von paranoiden Wahnüberzeugungen auf Verschwörungstheorien übertragen?

In the present narrative review a set of definitions on conspiracy theories and conspiracy mentality are introduced. In addition, studies on associations between personality variables, symptoms of mental disorders and endorsement of conspiracy theories are discussed. With respect to delusions, the continuum hypothesis is put forward that assumes a continuum between subclinical and clinical symptoms of psychosis. In addition, models on the formation and maintenance of delusions/paranoid delusions are presented that assume an interaction between biological vulnerability, psychological and social factors that leads to the formation and maintenance of paranoid delusions. Cognitive biases and emotional processes mediate the formation of persecutory delusions, e.g. a tendency to jump to conclusions (jumping to conclusions bias) and an external personal attribution style. Regarding cognitive biases and emotional processes, similarities between persons with psychoses and persecutory delusions and persons who endorse conspiracy theories are discussed. Both groups are more prone towards an external locus of control and an external personal attribution stye and were both found to present a jumping to conclusion bias in comparison to nonclinical controls. It is discussed whether these similarities can be further explored using preregistered longitudinal and experimental studies. In addition, the potential of cognitive behavioral therapy for psychosis (CBTp) interventions and their implementation in the prevention and counselling of persons who endorse conspiracy theories and are motivated to reflect on or to change these theories is discussed.