Towards an Integrative, Interdisciplinary, and Multidimensional Approach to Curbing Epistemically Suspect Beliefs: A Commentary on Bronstein et al. (2026)
Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Abstract: In this commentary, we endorse the recent call by Bronstein et al. (2026) to open a polyphonic debate and bring clinical psychology into the dialogue on the nature, causes, and consequences of epistemically suspect beliefs. We concur with the authors’ call for creating an integrative approach that would triangulate findings across different disciplines in a much-needed attempt to harmonise knowledge about individual, situational, and structural factors that contribute to the endorsement of epistemically suspect beliefs. Using economic anxiety as a model case, we then show how the integration of clinical insights could inform innovative, cost-effective, and scalable intervention programmes. Finally, we call for careful consideration of the risks associated with incorporating the clinical perspective, particularly the potential pathologisation of epistemically suspect beliefs and stigmatisation of those who endorse them, as well as the need to carefully distinguish delusions from ill-informed beliefs and rational suspicions.
Source: PsyArXiv (OSF Preprints)
Language: English
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7214202249