Belief in conspiracy theories can lead to significant breakdowns in romantic relationships, according to a study published in The British Journal of Social Psychology. Researchers found that obsessions with theories such as QAnon, Flat Earth, and COVID-19 vaccine misinformation can fundamentally alter an individual's behavior, leaving partners struggling with anxiety, stress, insomnia, and social isolation.
The study involved interviews with 17 current and former partners of individuals deeply involved in QAnon, a far-right conspiracy theory alleging a global cabal controls the world. Many participants described their partners as becoming consumed by the conspiracy, appearing as 'a different person,' and in some cases, this shift was considered the 'death' of their former selves.
Intense belief in conspiracy theories has well-documented negative effects not only on the believers but also on those around them. Studies indicate that individuals engrossed in these narratives can become estranged from friends and family, leading to increasing social isolation. Furthermore, conspiracy theorists are more likely to endorse political and interpersonal violence. For instance, a previous study noted that individuals believing 5G masts spread COVID-19 were more inclined to justify violence against engineers installing them.
Partners initially attempted to reason with their significant others using facts, but these efforts often proved futile, leading to bitter and personal arguments. Interviewees reported being called 'brainwashed,' 'sheep,' and 'the enemy' by their partners.
Participants described their partners as changing dramatically, becoming angry, agitated, mean, aggressive, and hateful. One participant stated, 'He became this very angry, depressed, unhappy person, you know, who took it out on people around him.' In extreme instances, partners exhibited abusive and dangerous behavior; one individual reported being attacked by their partner after revealing they had received the COVID-19 vaccine.
The psychological and social toll on partners was severe. One participant shared, 'I'm a very anxious person to begin with and hearing him rant about this stuff made me even more anxious, and I drank a lot more because I couldn't sleep.' Another expressed the disorienting effect: 'Sometimes you can get so overwhelmed cause he seems so sure. And it messes with your head. You start thinking you're the crazy one.'
Many participants also experienced increasing social isolation and stigma due to their partner's obsession. After attempts to understand their partners' behavior through research and therapy, a significant number ultimately decided to end the relationships. This decision was particularly difficult for couples with children, as the conspiracy-believing parent often tried to influence the children with their views. Some parents resorted to bringing children to rallies or introducing them to conspiracy influencers, while others withheld medical treatment or vaccinations. Concerns were raised about the safety of children, with one parent fearing her ex-partner might not seek appropriate medical attention for their daughter in an emergency.
For those who managed to leave these relationships, a sense of relief was often reported. One participant described the aftermath: 'I was sad, but I was mentally at peace after over a year of hell.'