The quest for significance and conspiracy theories: exploring the moderating influence of narcissism

Several authors suggested that conspiracy beliefs represent an optimal form of ideological narrative to fulfil the inherent human need to restore a sense of importance, aiding individuals in defending their self-worth. This reasoning aligns with theoretical insights into the concepts of quest for significance (QFS) and narcissism. In our cross-sectional research conducted in Georgia (N = 914), we employed a questionnaire encompassing the Significance Quest Scale, the Narcissism Scale (specifically the criticism sub-scale), the Generic Conspiracist Beliefs scale, and the Conspiracy Beliefs about Vaccination scale. Our findings affirm that the relationships between the QFS and the three dimensions of generic conspiracy beliefs (governmental malice, malevolent global conspiracies, and extraterrestrial cover-ups) was mediated by vaccine conspiracy beliefs. Furthermore, these relationships were moderated by high levels of narcissism. This study’s implications contribute to the integration of the Significance Quest Theory and narcissism into a more comprehensive understanding of conspiratorial thinking.