Psychological distance is the mindset of individuals and how they process information (how they integrate and weigh veracity cues). When psychological distance is deemed further away, positive information is weighted more heavily. In contrast, when information is psychologically close, negative information is more focused on. 


In relation to conspiracy theory endorsement, threats to one's groups could be deemed "psychologically close," because the threat is near the individual. Because of this, the individual would view the negative information, like a threatening conspiracy theory, to be likely true. This makes the individual more likely to endorse a conspiracy theory.

Psychological Distance as a Moderator of Negativity Bias

There are two main components of the relationship between the social integration motivation and conspiracy theory endorsement. On one hand, being isolated tends to increase one's tendency to believe in conspiracies. This is because isolation leads to increased anxiety and a desire to simplify the world. Contrarily, belonging to a specific group can increase one's likelihood perceive social threats to one's group. These threats can be depicted in conspiracy theories, and group members may be inclined to believe them. 

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

the goal is to get along with and be valued by other people

Social Integration Motivation

Albarracín, D. (2020). Conspiracy beliefs: Knowledge, ego-defense, and social integration. In R. Greifeneder, M. Jaffé, E. J. Newman, & N. Schwarz (Eds.), The psychology of fake news: Accepting, sharing, and correcting misinformation (pp. 196–219). London: Routledge. 

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