Author ORCID Identifier:
Date of Graduation
12-2025
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD)
Degree Level
Graduate
Department
Psychological Science
Advisor/Mentor
Eidelman, Scott
Committee Member
Makhanova, Anastasia
Second Committee Member
Veilleux, Jennifer
Keywords
conspiracy theories; faith in intuition; need for cognition; processing styles; uniqueness
Abstract
Need for uniqueness has previously been identified as an individual difference predictor of conspiratorial beliefs, but has not been studied systematically. The current research investigated this relationship across 3 studies through the lens of uniqueness theory. Study 1 replicated previously reported associations and identified new moderators of this relationship. Study 2 experimentally tested the impact of receiving high uniqueness vs. high similarity feedback on conspiracy beliefs. This feedback did not impact conspiracy beliefs by itself, but interacted with cognitive processing preferences. Study 3 tested a manipulation of high vs. moderate uniqueness feedback on conspiracy beliefs. There were no effects of the manipulation alone, but it again interacted with cognitive processing preferences. Implications and future directions are discussed.
Citation
Altgilbers, M. (2025). Clarifying the Role of Need for Uniqueness in Preferences for Conspiratorial Beliefs. Graduate Theses and Dissertations Retrieved from https://scholarworks.uark.edu/etd/6071
