Conspiracy Theory Beliefs and Tendency for Interpersonal Victimhood: The Mediating Role of Cognitive Biases

Introduction: this study investigates the relationship between conspiracy theory beliefs and tendency for interpersonal victimhood, and the mediating role ofcognitive biases. Method: A sample of 245 Georgian nationals (67% female; M age = 28.38 years) completed validated measures of conspiracist ideation (GCB),dysfunctional cognitive biases (DACOBS), and tendency for interpersonal victimhood (TIV). Results: Hierarchical regression and parallel mediation analyses(PROCESS Model 4) confirmed that conspiracy beliefs significantly predict TIV (β= .381), and that attention to threat and external attribution bias partially mediatethis relationship. Conclusion: Endorsement of conspiracy theories may engender a chronic sense of interpersonal victimhood through specific cognitive pathways,with practical implications for psychoeducational and therapeutic intervention