I one-hundred thousand percent blame it on QAnon

The impact of QAnon belief on interpersonal relationships

Bibliographic Data

ID2923098
AuthorsLauren Mastroni (0009-0001-8746-4822, University of Derby, corresponding author), Robyn Mooney (0000-0001-7956-4535, University of Derby)
Year2024
Volume41
Issue9
Pages2478-2499
Publication date2024-09-01
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Social and Personal Relationships (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0265-4075 • E-ISSN: 1460-3608
PublisherSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/02654075241246124
OpenAlexW4394593277
LanguageEN
Citations received5
References cited28

Conspiracy beliefs have been found to have negative real-world consequences that can impact interpersonal relationships; however, this remains an under-researched area. With the current popularity of conspiracy movements such as QAnon, more research into these phenomena is necessary. The present research therefore aimed to explore the impact of QAnon belief on interpersonal relationships. Fifteen participants aged 21-54 (M = 41) with a QAnon-affiliated loved one were interviewed about how QAnon has changed their relationship. Using thematic analysis, four main themes were identified: Malignant Q, Distance, Qonflict, and Attempts at Healing. Participants characterized QAnon as a malignant force in their relationships and communicated with their loved ones less as a result. Although QAnon was a source of conflict and tension for all participants, they were motivated to understand their loved ones. Most participants who still had relationships with their loved ones were motivated to heal or maintain their relationships, while those who no longer did had previously tried many different strategies to save their relationships. These findings provide greater insight into how QAnon can impact relationships, offering fruitful directions for future research examining how individuals can heal from QAnon-afflicted relationships

Belief system · Blame · Developmental psychology · Epistemology · Interpersonal communication · Interpersonal relationship · Indigenous Studies and Ecology · Media, Religion, Digital Communication · Philosophy · Psychology · Social Psychology

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