Populist Attitudes as a Mediator between Relative Deprivation and Conspiracy Mentality

Abstract

Conspiracy theories are widespread and present a threat to society. Both conspiracy and populist beliefs describe society as a struggle between powerful elites and common people, while those who feel powerless or deprived may be more gullible to these beliefs. This article investigates the relationship between relative deprivation and conspiracy mentality. It argues that anti-elitism and popular sovereignty that represent populist attitudes mediate this relationship. The present study draws on a nationally representative sample of the Slovak population aged 18+ (N = 832). Data were collected online through a research agency. The mediation model was tested using the R program. Our results revealed that feelings of relative deprivation transfer into a stronger conspiracy mentality. Moreover, the effect on conspiracy mentality was partially mediated by populist attitudes, specifically, by anti-elitism and populist sovereignty. In this regard, the study presents a more detailed understanding of the beliefs that drive conspiracy mentality.