I Don’t Deserve COVID-19. The Role of Belief in Just World in Eliminating Negative Effects of Conspiracy Theories Belief

Abstract

This study examines whether belief in just world manages to reduce the negative impacts of conspiracy theories belief on social distancing intention and vaccination attitude. We also examine the mediating effect of perceived COVID-19 threat in these relations. Using a sample of 262 adult participants from Indonesia, results suggest that when people have high belief in just world, they have a more positive attitude towards vaccination and willingness to practice social distancing even though when they believe in conspiracy theories and feel less threatened by COVID-19. Theoretical and practical contributions are discussed in this article.