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. 2023 Apr 5;18(4):e0280902.
doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0280902. eCollection 2023.

The efficacy of interventions in reducing belief in conspiracy theories: A systematic review

Cian O'Mahony  1 , Maryanne Brassil  2 , Gillian Murphy  1 , Conor Linehan  1
Affiliations

The efficacy of interventions in reducing belief in conspiracy theories: A systematic review

Cian O'Mahony et al. PLoS One. .

Abstract

Conspiracy beliefs have become a topic of increasing interest among behavioural researchers. While holding conspiracy beliefs has been associated with several detrimental social, personal, and health consequences, little research has been dedicated to systematically reviewing the methods that could reduce conspiracy beliefs. We conducted a systematic review to identify and assess interventions that have sought to counter conspiracy beliefs. Out of 25 studies (total N = 7179), we found that while the majority of interventions were ineffective in terms of changing conspiracy beliefs, several interventions were particularly effective. Interventions that fostered an analytical mindset or taught critical thinking skills were found to be the most effective in terms of changing conspiracy beliefs. Our findings are important as we develop future research to combat conspiracy beliefs.

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Conflict of interest statement

Google, in association with the Irish Research Council, funded this study, but this does not alter our adherence to PLOS ONE policies on sharing data and materials. There are no patents, products in development or marketed products associated with this research to declare.

Figures

Fig 1
Fig 1. PRISMA flow diagram.
Fig 2
Fig 2. Cohen’s d effect sizes interventions aimed at reducing conspiracy beliefs.
Note: This figure has been adapted from [51].
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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