Refusing to Pay Taxes

Abstract: Conspiracy theorizing can motivate non-normative intentions (e.g., tax evasion and violence). However, less is known about the contributors of these conspiracy-inspired intentions or if they translate into behaviors. Two studies ( N = 1,155) found a positive correlation between loneliness and conspiracy theorizing, which in turn related to non-normative intentions. Study 3 ( n = 234) provided further evidence of these relationships through serial mediations: participants who remembered a lonely experience (vs. control) reported feeling lonelier, which was positively linked to conspiracy beliefs, and subsequently associated with non-normative intentions and a new behavioral measure (actual tax evasion). While our findings consistently link loneliness to conspiracy theorizing and non-normative actions, future research utilizing longitudinal designs would bolster confidence in our theoretical framework.