The Relationship and Mechanism between Collective Narcissism and Conspiracy Beliefs

The core of collective narcissism lies in the dissatisfaction with the insufficient external recognition of the group's excellence. Thus, believing that the out-group plots against the in-group out of jealousy can help collective narcissists reinforce the belief that the in-group is extraordinary. However, collective narcissists do not really identify with the in-group, but rather use the group to compensate for the lack of personal needs. They may also believe in and participate in conspiracies involving the in-group. In conclusion, there are complex connections between collective narcissism and different conspiracy theories, but based on different psychological motivations, none of them can really compensate for the psychology. Instead, they serve to create threatening situations that catalyze the tearing of communities apart.