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  • Italian validation of the Generic Conspiracist Beliefs Scale (GCBS)

Italian validation of the Generic Conspiracist Beliefs Scale (GCBS)

Lorenzo Antichi, Martina Olcese, Davide Prestia, Giacomo Barbagallo, Laura Migliorini, Marco Giannini

Accepted December 11, 2023

First published December 22, 2023

https://doi.org/10.26387/bpa.2023.00016

Abstract

Although conspiracy theories influence Italian society, there are no Italian questionnaires to evaluate
conspiracist ideation. Hence, the study aimed to validate the Generic Conspiracist Beliefs Scale (GCBS) in Italian,
investigating its validity and reliability. The validation has been done in 2 studies. Specifically, participants completed
a translated version of GCBS in Study 1. Explorative Factor Analysis (EFA) showed that the five-factor structure was
interpretable. Factors were government malfeasance (GM), extraterrestrial cover-up (ET), malevolent global conspiracies
(MG), personal well-being (PW), and control of information (CI). Finally, overall internal consistency was excellent (a = .93). Regarding study Study 2, Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) confirmed the structure’s excellent fit indexes (c2/df = 2.87, robust CFI = .957, robust TLI = .941, robust RSMEA = .066, 90% CI [.054, .078]; SRMR = .041). In addition, convergent and criterion validity were acceptable. Finally, socio-demographic characteristics such as political orientation, age, and educational level were related to the likelihood of being engaged in conspiracy theories.

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Issue 298

Keywords:

Conspiracist ideation

Generic Conspiracist Beliefs Scale

Italian validation

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Author Surname Author Initial. Title. Publication Title. Year Published;Volume number(Issue number):Pages Used. doi:DOI Number.


Antichi Lorenzo . Olcese Martina . Prestia Davide . Barbagallo Giacomo . Migliorini Laura . Giannini Marco . Italian validation of the Generic Conspiracist Beliefs Scale (GCBS). BPA Applied Psychology Bulletin. 2023;298(1):99-114. doi:10.26387/bpa.298.1.
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Author Surname Author Initial. Title. Publication Title. Year Published;Volume number(Issue number):Pages Used. doi:DOI Number.


Antichi Lorenzo . Olcese Martina . Prestia Davide . Barbagallo Giacomo . Migliorini Laura . Giannini Marco . Italian validation of the Generic Conspiracist Beliefs Scale (GCBS). BPA Applied Psychology Bulletin. 2023;298(1):99-114. doi:10.26387/bpa.298.1.