On the dark side of conspiracy: Associations of dark tetrad and HEXACO personality traits with conspiracist ideation

As believing in conspiracy theories negatively impacts smooth functioning of society, it is crucial to understand individual differences related to conspiracist ideation. This may be a basis for the development of tailored intervention or prevention programs. Thus, the present preregistered study investigates the association of conspiracist ideation with the Dark Tetrad and HEXACO personality traits in two independent German samples for the first time. In total, 669 participants completed an online survey consisting of multiple personality questionnaires. Combined confirmatory factor analyses and structural equation modeling revealed, as expected, positive correlations of conspiracist ideation with all Dark Tetrad traits and a strong prediction of conspiracist ideation by the Dark Tetrad general factor in both samples. Associations of the HEXACO traits with conspiracist ideation were largely in line with former heterogeneous results and confirmed lately questioned, but originally considered negative correlations of conspiracist ideation with agreeableness and Honesty-Humility. These results provide further insights into the personality structure of conspiracy believers. Future studies should consider, besides mediating and moderating factors of these associations, possible suppressor variables as the Light Triad of personality as well. • All Dark Tetrad traits correlated positively with conspiracist ideation. • The Dark Tetrad general factor strongly predicted conspiracist ideation. • Honesty-Humility and agreeableness correlated negatively with conspiracist ideation. • Conspiracy believers tended to be introverted and less open-minded.