From Beliefs to Acts: Understanding the Catalysts of Conspiracy-Inspired Violence
Trauma and the Resilience Paradox: The Key Role of Regulatory Flexibility
November 2, 2023The Melissa Institute and Research Director, Dr. Donald Meichenbaum, Spotlighted in University of Waterloo Newsletter
December 30, 2023Join us on January 19th, 2024 at 10:00am-12:00pm EST
When:
Friday, January 19th, 2024
10am - 12:00pm Eastern
Where:
Zoom
Registration:
For Continuing Education: $35
Free general registration
About:
Conspiracy theory beliefs can serve as motivations for a range of problematic non-normative political actions, including behaviors that violate social norms, such as violence against others, illegal protests, road blockades, and property damage. Furthermore, these beliefs often fuel violent actions targeted at specific groups, such as Jewish people and Muslim immigrants. Alarmingly, many recent terrorist attackers have referenced conspiracy theories in their manifestos. It is, therefore, paramount that we seek to understand how and when conspiracy beliefs could be associated with violent extremism.
In this session, I will delve into research from my team and others exploring the links between conspiracy beliefs and violence. We will discuss factors that may drive conspiracy-evoked extremism, such as feelings of loneliness, alongside considering when the links between conspiracy beliefs and extremism may be strengthened (e.g., when upholding specific ideologies or individual characteristics). Although the contributing factors are diverse and interventions tricky to develop, we will also discuss ways that we can approach addressing conspiracy-inspired violence.
Learning Objectives:
Participant will be able to:
- Articulate why people may be drawn into conspiracy-inspired violence.
- Analyze the psychological conditions that may strengthen the link between conspiracy beliefs and violence.
- Identify different routes that could address conspiracy-inspired violence.
Daniel Jolley, Ph.D.
Dr. Daniel Jolley is an Assistant Professor in Social Psychology at the University of Nottingham, UK. His research delves into the intriguing realm of conspiracy theories, seeking to uncover the reasons behind their widespread appeal. He also strives to understand the social consequences of endorsing conspiracy theories and actively works on developing interventions to mitigate their adverse impact. Passionate about science communication, he has appeared on TV (e.g., BBC One Show, BBC News, Sky News), radio (e.g., BBC Radio Scotland, TalkRADIO, BBC Five Live), and in print (e.g., New York Times, The Guardian, Financial Times). Additionally, he has also given many public talks on his research (e.g., New Scientist Live, Cheltenham Science Festival, Standon Calling). As an internationally recognized expert in the psychology of conspiracy theories, he has also co-authored journal articles in outlets such as the British Journal of Psychology, the European Journal of Social Psychology and Political Psychology and has received funding from research bodies such as the Leverhulme Trust and British Academy. He is a Chartered Psychologist at the British Psychological Society and Associate Editor at the British Journal of Social Psychology and Journal of Applied Social Psychology. To learn more, follow him on Twitter/X using the handle @DrDanielJolley.
Continuing Education (CE) information:
*Florida License Only
- 2 CE for Psychologists through APA.
- 2 CE for School Psychologists through NASP.
- 2 Credit Hours provided for LCSW, LMHC & LMFT in the State of Florida only.
- All CEs require additional CE requests during registration located on our website, a $35 fee, and an evaluation form returned to us following the training.
*Upon request, The Melissa Institute will provide a certificate of completion that can be self-reported to other state boards. We cannot guarantee that it will be accepted by other boards for approval.
Register here:
Continuing Education Registration:
For payment for CEs:
Following registration, you will be sent the zoom link.
The Melissa Institute for Violence Prevention & Treatment is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The Melissa Institute for Violence Prevention & Treatment maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
IMPORTANT DISCLOSURE: None of the planners and presenters for this educational activity have relevant financial relationship(s)* to disclose with ineligible companies* whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients.
*Financial relationships are relevant if the educational content an individual can control is related to the business lines or products of the ineligible company.