New Brochure Summarizes Four Years of Psychological Research on Conspiracy Theories and Disinformation
Research covering the Covid-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine has yielded important insights into the mechanisms behind the formation and spread of unfounded beliefs. These are influenced by cognitive biases, negative emotions, and social conditions. Researchers from the Institute of Experimental Psychology, Centre of Social and Psychological Sciences SAS (IEP CSPS SAS), have prepared a freely available brochure summarizing their findings from two major projects.
“The results of both projects bring new knowledge about the vicious circle of conspiracy beliefs, distrust, and emotional distress. They highlight the interplay of cognitive biases, negative emotions (such as anxiety and helplessness), and broader social factors like economic precarity or political polarization. The findings are not only theoretically important but also offer practical recommendations on how to effectively limit the spread of disinformation and strengthen society’s resilience through targeted communication and education,” explains project leader Vladimíra Čavojová from IEP CSPS SAS.
The research also produced practical advice applicable in everyday life. The scientists encourage us to stay vigilant about our own overconfidence, as most people believe they can tell truth from lies – but often overestimate their ability.
“Education in media literacy is also essential. When encountering disinformation, factual debunking has a stronger effect in reducing belief than preventive prebunking. We must also consider that economic insecurity and low trust in institutions increase susceptibility to conspiracy theories. Finally, we should not ignore our own feelings of anxiety and helplessness, as they can make us more vulnerable to disinformation. Building psychological resilience and coping with stress is an important form of prevention,” adds Čavojová.
The first project (“Psychological Correlates of Unfounded Information and Beliefs Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic”) focused on the long-term psychological and social consequences of the pandemic, particularly on its role in spreading conspiracy beliefs, eroding trust in institutions, and fueling maladaptive behavior.
The second project (“Reducing the Spread of Disinformation and Unfounded Beliefs”) examined cognitive, personality, and social factors that contribute to the acceptance and spread of disinformation, as well as the effectiveness of different counter-disinformation strategies.
Both projects concluded in June 2025 and were supported by the Slovak Research and Development Agency (APVV).
The brochure is available for free download in Slovak and English: https://psychologia.sav.sk/projekt/redukovanie-sirenia-dezinformacii-a-nepodlozenych-presvedceni/
Contact persons – project leaders: Vladimíra Čavojová, IEP CSPS SAS, v.v.i., vladimira.cavojova@savba.sk Peter Halama, IEP CSPS SAS, v.v.i., peter.halama@savba.sk