Value Foundations of Conspiracy Thinking: New Evidence From European Democracies

ABSTRACT Objective The COVID‐19 pandemic and other recent crises have fueled the spread and political exploitation of conspiracy theories across both the United States and Europe. Despite growing concerns about their influence, particularly in election campaigns and public discourse, research on conspiracy beliefs' psychological and value‐based roots remains underdeveloped in the European context. This study addresses this gap by examining how individuals’ deeply ingrained values shape their susceptibility to conspiratorial thinking. Methods Drawing on data from the European Social Survey (ESS) from 20 European democracies and the Schwartz Value framework, I use linear regression models to analyze how values influence the likelihood of believing in conspiracy theories and how these effects differ across countries. Results The findings highlight that specific values make individuals more prone to conspiracy beliefs. Individuals who prioritize the well‐being of others (self‐transcendence) are less likely to endorse conspiracy theories. In contrast, those who focus on personal gain and power over others (self‐enhancement) are more susceptible to conspiracy thinking. However, these findings vary substantially depending on national contexts. Conclusion By empirically demonstrating these patterns, this study advances our understanding of the psychological foundations of conspiracy beliefs and offers insights for developing tailored, context‐sensitive interventions that leverage value framing to counteract the spread of conspiracy narratives.