2.3.4. Perceived Control
Perceived control refers to an individual’s perception of his or her ability to control events and the extent of external objects [54]. Believing conspiracy theories is a way to create a sense of control. Beliefs in conspiracy theories are widely considered to be a product of a perceived lack of control [55]. Miller et al. [3] argue that those with strong beliefs in conspiracy theories are able to see how endorsing the conspiracy can serve their own stakes. Douglas et al. [10] explain that people who lack control may seek a sense of control by believing conspiracy theories because such theories provide an opportunity to refuse official narratives and allow people to feel that they have a better understanding. High levels of powerlessness, along with low levels of self-esteem, are related to beliefs in specific conspiracies, whereas high external locus of control levels, along with low trust levels, are associated with endorsements of conspiracies [24]. A sense of lacking control may cause people to adopt conspiracy-like thinking. Sullivan et al. [56] use an experiment to demonstrate that participants with no control over given topics increase their endorsement of specific conspiracy theories. The result shows that the feeling of control over COVID-19 is very low, leading to conspiracy theories. Earnshaw et al. [2] argue that the COVID-19 pandemic provides a powerful context for people to utilize conspiracy theories in an attempt to restore feelings of safety and control.
However, based on six studies conducted online using MTurk samples, Stojanov et al. [55] show that changes in levels of control have no effect on conspiracy theory beliefs. Thus, conspiracy beliefs are not suitable compensation for threats to control. Similarly, Hart and Graether [29] find no effects of situational threats (i.e., a sense of powerlessness) on beliefs in conspiracy theories.
Hypothesis 9 (H9).   Perceived control is negatively associated with beliefs in conspiracy theories.