These conversations provide a rare insight into dynamics that are otherwise difficult to capture statistically. “We can understand how communication in the social environment is changing, and which forms of support are experienced as helpful,” explains Elisabeth Faria Lopes. In addition to informal offers of support from family members, friends, colleagues, or self-help groups, those affected also report receiving help from professional support centres. These include counselling centres and medical, psychotherapeutic, and legal service providers.
Highlighted particularly in this context is the support provided by counselling centres specializing in conspiracy theories. Those affected feel that they are in particularly good hands here due to the comprehensive specialist knowledge of the counsellors and their experience in dealing with adherents of conspiracy theories. In research workshops, the team exchanged ideas with advice centres and educational institutions. From the real-life case studies they discussed there, they were able to jointly develop materials for use in practice. Faria Lopes emphasizes how important this approach is: “We are not only interested in the world view of believers in conspiracy theories, but above all in what people living or working with these believers experience. This has barely been researched so far. But it’s the only way we can offer real assistance.”
Experiences range from withdrawal to perseverance
The results so far show how drastic the psychosocial consequences can be. Many of those affected withdraw from relationships, choose to avoid conflict issues, or only continue to maintain a limited degree of contact. Others report constantly circling around the issue of how to maintain their relationship without losing sight of themselves and denying their own convictions. The emotional connection plays a decisive role here. This is because – as the data from the surveys shows – arguments, fact checking, or objective debates often fail to bring about any reconciliation.
More often, however, it is possible to pick up the threads of dialogue once more by way of shared memories or positive experiences. But this is an arduous path that doesn’t always bear fruit. Some sufferers describe how friendships and family ties break down despite their best efforts, while others find a way to stabilize contact, at least keeping it to a minimum with the support of counselling centres or self-help groups. “Situations in which children are affected are highly sensitive. Professional providers report that even as adults, children often vacillate between loyalty to their parents and the fear of breaking off contact when those parents are strongly influenced by conspiracy theories,” says Hentges.
From project to practice
The findings of the project clearly show that many institutions are still only at the beginning. There is often a lack of even basic knowledge about how conspiracy theories work, which narrative patterns are typical, and how to react appropriately. Accordingly, the demand for resources focussing on action is high. Even if there is no ‘standard template’, professional providers need to know about concrete case studies that show which discussion strategies are useful in which context in order to have some kind of orientation.
It’s also becoming clear that specialized advice centres are wanting in many places. Particularly in rural regions, those affected are left without appropriate services. “Self-help groups play an important role, offering emotional relief and showing people facing these problems that they are not alone in their experiences,” says Faria Lopes. Just knowing that others have had similar experiences and being able to share these is helpful for many of those affected.
A central concern of RaisoN is the transferring of research findings into practice. The team has developed a digital information platform which is constantly being expanded and provides practice-oriented materials – from background knowledge and case scenarios to guidelines for workshops or training courses. In cooperation with counselling centres, training formats are also being developed that are tailored to different professional groups and are intended to help identify conspiracy narratives in everyday life at an early stage and provide better support. After all, the places where conspiracy theories are especially taking effect are not anonymous online forums, but the kitchens, living rooms, and workplaces of our daily lives. This is where support needs to start.
RAISON – Radicalization processes through conspiracy theories: Effects on social circles present challenges for educational and counselling work
The joint project led by the TH Köln and the University of Cologne deals with the effects of conspiracy theories on social circles and the resulting challenges to educational and counselling work. RaisoN combines social science research with practical analysis to better understand how radicalization works in everyday life and identify starting points for prevention and intervention. The project is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research until June 2026 as part of the funding line ‘Current and historical dynamics of right-wing extremism and racism’.
