A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal

Conspiracy Theory Endorsement Profiles: A Cluster Validation Study




AuthorsMäki, Otto; Marttila, Eetu; Häikiö, Tuomo; Pritup, Daria; Elovaara, Kaisa; Kivioja, Pasi; Kaakinen, Johanna

PublisherWiley

Publication year2026

Journal: European Journal of Social Psychology

Article numberejsp.70080

ISSN0046-2772

eISSN1099-0992

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1002/ejsp.70080

Publication's open availability at the time of reportingOpen Access

Publication channel's open availability Partially Open Access publication channel

Web address https://doi.org/10.1002/ejsp.70080

Self-archived copy’s web addresshttps://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/523224456

Self-archived copy's licenceCC BY

Self-archived copy's versionPublisher`s PDF


Abstract

A substantial body of research has investigated the determinants of conspiratorial beliefs, yet little is known about different conspiracy theory endorsement profiles. The present study used cluster analysis on a set of 52 conspiratorial statements tapping into six conspiracy theory types to identify and validate conspiracy theory endorsement clusters in a randomly drawn sample of the Finnish population (N = 1077). The cluster solution was then further validated in a social media-based convenience sample (N = 772). Four conspiracy theory endorsement clusters with distinct profiles were identified and validated across the samples. Participants who belonged to more conspiracy theory-endorsing clusters held more pseudoscientific beliefs and had lower political trust than participants in the less conspiracy theory-endorsing clusters. Mixed results were found concerning demographic differences. The results provide strong evidence for the existence of four conspiracy theory endorsement profiles and support the notion of a general conspiracy mindset.


Downloadable publication

This is an electronic reprint of the original article.
This reprint may differ from the original in pagination and typographic detail. Please cite the original version.




Funding information in the publication
This work was supported by the Strategic Research Council (335233, 358271).


Last updated on 11/05/2026 10:32:55 AM