Another one bites the dust? Threatened meat-eater identity and veg*n conspiracy beliefs

Introduction Vegetarianism and veganism (veg*nism) have been criticized as challenging traditional lifestyles and meat-related practices. Some criticisms take the form of conspiracy beliefs, involving assumptions about hidden intentions and coordinated efforts to impose social change. We define veg * n conspiracy beliefs as convictions that veg*ns secretly seek to manipulate and control individuals and societies by restricting meat consumption and imposing a single dietary ideology. Methods Across three studies among meat-eaters in Poland (Study 1 N = 1011; Study 2 N = 800; Study 3 N = 569), we examined psychological correlates of veg * ns conspiracy beliefs . We hypothesized that these beliefs would be associated with a defensive and entitled identification with meat-eaters, reflected in meat-eaters collective narcissism. Results Across all three studies, including two cross-sectional and one experimental study, meat-eaters collective narcissism consistently predicted veg * ns conspiracy beliefs . Collective narcissism also predicted outgroup hostility, operationalized as dehumanization of veg * ns, with this association partially mediated by veg * ns conspiracy beliefs . Discussion These findings suggest that conspiracy beliefs about veg * ns may serve as a defensive response to perceived threats to the status and identity of meat-eaters. They further indicate that such beliefs can contribute to hostility toward veg*ns, showing a potential pathway through which identity threat may translate into intergroup prejudice.