| Abstract [eng] |
Conspiracy theories (CTs) offer explanations for significant events based on the belief that secret actors are behind them. They can influence health by reducing vaccination rates and changing attitudes towards disease prevention and treatment. The aim of this study is to assess the relationship between belief in CTs and health-related behavior and self-regulation. The study included 178 subjects (133 women (74.7%) and 41 men (23%)), aged 18 to 29 years (M= 21.9; SD= 2.87). The participants were administered the Health Conspiracy Theories Belief Instrument, the Short Self-Regulation Questionnaire (Carey, Neal & Collins, 2004), and the Lifestyle Questionnaire (Pukinskaitė ir Žentelytė, 2014). The results revealed that metropolitan residents trust conspiracy theories less than city and rural residents (t(176) = -2.23, p = 0.027, d = 0.34). Belief in conspiracy theories was associated with healthier behavior (rp = 0.167; p < 0.05), and such behavior was associated with greater self-regulation (rp = 0.391; p < 0.001). Subjects who believed in conspiracy theories and were better able to regulate themselves behaved healthier (F(2,175) = 18.860, p < 0.001), R2 = 0.177. The study reveals that belief in CT is associated with healthier behaviors, but such beliefs can undermine trust in the health care system and prevent seeking help during a crisis. |
