Conspiracy beliefs and the impact on health behaviors

Health-related conspiracy beliefs are widespread, cover a variety of health topics, and can impact behavior. As such, understanding exactly how these beliefs impact health behavior is an important step in developing interventions to increase preventative health behaviors and individuals' overall health and well-being. This review assesses two different widely endorsed health-related conspiracy beliefs using two key health models, the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB; Ajzen, 1985) and the Health Belief Model (HBM; Rosenstock et al., 1988, ), in order to determine how these beliefs may impact health behavior and possible avenues for intervention. Attitudes and subjective norms from the TPB, along with perceived severity, barriers, and benefits from the HBM, were the most salient to conspiracy beliefs. Future research should consider a mixed model approach that utilizes components from both theories in intervention planning and assessment.

Automated summary

Health-related conspiracy beliefs are widespread and can influence behavior. Understanding the impact of these beliefs on health behavior is crucial for developing interventions to promote preventative health behaviors and overall well-being. Attitudes, subjective norms, perceived severity, barriers, and benefits are key factors related to conspiracy beliefs.