APS
2026 APS Annual Convention · 2026
Conspiracy Beliefs and Pseudoscientific Thinking Shape Health Decision-Making
- Margarida Garrido
Iscte - Instituto Universitário de Lisboa - Catarina Santos
University Institute of Lisbon (ISCTE-IUL) - Oleksandr Horchak
Instituto Universitário de Lisboa ISCTE-IUL, CIS - Magda Saraiva
William James Center for Research ISPA - Instituto Universitário
Abstract
This study examined how conspiracy and pseudoscientific beliefs influence adherence to conventional and alternative medical treatments. Neither doctor-related factors nor participants’ demographics significantly influenced adherence decisions. Notably, a conspiracist mindset, stronger pseudoscientific beliefs, and low trust in science reduced adherence to conventional treatments and increased adherence to alternative ones.
