The Composite Conspiracy Belief ( CCB ) Scale: Development, Validation, and Distinction From Related Constructs
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: ABSTRACT Conspiracy thinking is a multidimensional construct, studied both as a general disposition (conspiracy mindset) and as adherence to specific narratives (conspiracy beliefs). Despite research interest, distinguishing generic conspiracy thinking from related constructs (e.g., paranoid, magical thinking) remains a challenge. The present study aims to develop and validate the composite conspiracy belief (CCB) scale, a new measure of conspiracy thinking that distinguishes itself from similar thinking styles and captures different conspiracy tendencies. Two studies were conducted. Study 1 ( N = 380) examined the factorial structure of CCB, hypothesizing a third‐order hierarchical model based on semi‐specific conspiracy narratives: “source of threat” and “type of threat.” Study 2 ( N = 364) evaluated the differentiation of CCB from magical thinking, social persecution, and generalized suspiciousness. The analyses confirmed the construct, convergent, and incremental validity.
Source: Applied Cognitive Psychology
DOI: 10.1002/acp.70136
Author: Cosimo Talò
Institution: University of Chieti-Pescara
Language: English
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $2,900
OpenAlex ID: W4416269863