How CONspiracy theory beliefs affect the quality of romantic RElationships

High-quality romantic relationships are crucial for good physical and mental health. Yet, they are difficult to maintain, as shown by rising divorce rates in the EU and beyond. Among the many factors that strain relationships, one neglected but highly relevant is belief in conspiracy theories. Despite evidence that conspiracy beliefs can harm individuals, groups, and societies, little is known about how they affect people’s most intimate bonds. While a few existing works only looked at immediate impacts of conspiracy beliefs on relationships in general, a rigorous study must also address their long-term effects on couples. Because when mismatched, conspiracy beliefs are expected to erode, but if shared among partners, they may even foster relationship quality, and such a study would be uniquely equipped to test this. Identifying which couples are affected, and how, is urgently needed given the prevalence of conspiracy beliefs and the rising mental health issues reported by both those who endorse them and their partners. CONspiRE will be the first study to examine whether conspiracy beliefs have immediate or long-term effects on the quality of romantic relationships, and will identify factors that moderate, and psychological mechanisms that underlie, these effects. It will combine disciplines (social psychology, relationship science, social cognition), designs (experimental, longitudinal, dyadic studies), and methods (implicit vs. explicit partner attitudes) to deliver high-quality research that will establish a collaboration between two top-tier labs studying conspiracy beliefs and close relationships. The findings will help to understand and address relationship issues related to conspiracy beliefs, informing mental health guidance and interventions promoting healthy relationships. By focusing on how to mitigate the negative and recognize the positive relationship impacts of conspiracy beliefs, CONspiRE will help foster societal resilience, health and well-being.