Exploring the link between conspiracy thinking and climate emotions among middle eastern adults: the moderating role of sex
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Objective This study aimed to investigate the moderating role of sex in the relationship between conspiracy and (1) climate change anxiety, (2) eco-grief, and (3) eco-guilt among Arabic-speaking adults. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted between May and July 2025 in Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, and Palestine. Consenting participants completed an online questionnaire that included sociodemographic information, the Generic Conspiracist Beliefs Scale-5 (GCB-5), the Climate Change Anxiety Scale (CCAS), the Eco-Guilt Scale (EGuiQ-11), and the Eco-Grief Scale (EGriQ-6). Results In total, 2,844 individuals completed the questionnaire. Sex significantly moderated the associations between general conspiracy thinking and climate change anxiety (β = −0.24, p < 0.001, ΔR 2 = 0.005), eco-grief (β = −0.08, p = 0.007, ΔR 2 = 0.002), and eco-guilt (β = −0.21, p < 0.001, ΔR 2 = 0.006). Higher levels of conspiracy thinking was associated with increased anxiety about climate change among males (B = 0.42, p < 0.001) and females (B = 0.18, p < 0.001), with a stronger association observed in males. Similarly, the association with eco-guilt was stronger among males (B = 0.29, p < 0.001) than females (B = 0.08, p = 0.001). For eco-grief, the association was significant among males (B = 0.10, p < 0.001) but not among females (B = 0.03, p = 0.075). Conclusion The findings suggest that the relationship between conspiracy thinking and distressing eco-emotions may be stronger among Arab males. Arab mental health researchers and practitioners may consider addressing distressing eco-emotions in individuals with stronger conspiracy thinking, while paying attention to potential differences between sexes.
Source: Frontiers in Climate
Institutions: Lebanese American University, Fayoum University, Sultan Qaboos University, Palestine Technical University - Kadoorie, Isra University, Isra University, Beirut Arab University, Hebron University, Islamic University of Gaza, Smart University College for Modern Education, Mansoura University, Clemson University, Universidade de Leiria e Oeste, University of Évora, Gulf Medical University, Applied Science Private University, Effat University, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Hôpital Razi de La Manouba, Faculté de médecine de Tunis, Tunis El Manar University
Language: English
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,077
OpenAlex ID: W7225835588