Dr. Joe Pierre - The Nature, Psychology & Danger of Conspiracy Theories

episode

Thoughts on Record: Podcast of the Ottawa Institute of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy not yet transcribed

▲ 0

Transcript

This episode hasn't been transcribed yet Upvotes decide what gets transcribed next — 0 so far. Sign in to upvote

recent transcribed audio

Mission: Impossible 47 min · 29 Sep 2026 · I've Had It

Nightcap Hour 1: Bears EMBARRASS Eagles + Vikings TRADE J.J. McCarthy to Giants + Cam Ward’s Sister SPEAKS on THREATS From Fans 1h 6m · 29 Sep 2026 · Club Shay Shay

Nightcap Hour 1: Bears EMBARRASS Eagles + Vikings TRADE J.J. McCarthy to Giants + Cam Ward’s Sister SPEAKS on THREATS From Fans 1h 6m · 29 Sep 2026 · Nightcap

Nightcap Hour 2: Which NFL Offseason Move LOOKS The WORST? + Jeff Hafley SURPRISED By EMPTY Dolphins Press Conference + LeBron Sets CHAMPIONSHIP or BUST For Sixers + Luka Gets BLUNT on Playing WITHOUT LeBron + Anthony Edwards Takes HUMBLE ROUTE 52 min · 29 Sep 2026 · Club Shay Shay

NPR News: 09-29-2026 2AM EDT 4 min · 29 Sep 2026 · NPR News Now

Report any issue

Source

Recorded30 May 2022

Publisherfeeds.buzzsprout.com

Handlerec:1421870

Show notes

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! The past 2 years appear to have precipitated an unprecedented rise in the dissemination and propagation of misinformation and conspiracy theories, leading to considerable distress and uncertainty around consumers of traditional media platforms as well as social media. Psychiatrist and professor, Dr. Joe Pierre, joins us for an extensive discussion of conspiracy theories in which we cover: Dr. Pierre's thoughts on the nature & severity of challenges involved in navigating the current information landscapean evolutionary perspective around our biological capacity to effectively manage the amount of information we are exposed to on a daily basisDr. Pierre's assessment of the health of society’s cognitive, emotional and behavioral coping strategies at the present timetools/mindset that we can deploy to effectively navigate the massive amount of (mis)information that is out there. why psychiatric terminology is often misused and why terms like "mass delusion" and "mass psychosis" are not appropriate terms to describe widespread false beliefs (such as conspiracy theories)how to balance engagement with media to remain appropriately informed without unduly evoking distress and a sense of helplessness/hopelessnessthe environmental and psychological conditions under which people are most likely to be susceptible to misinformation and/or conspiracy theoriespredatory use of misinformation and conspiracy theories by political entities critical consideration of whether conspiracy theories are more prevalent todaythe personality traits and features that reliably predict engagement in conspiracy theoriesdistinguishing between extreme/rigid ideological beliefs and delusionsthe role of the occasional validation of a conspiracy theory (i.e., variable reinforcement) in promoting belief in conspiracies consideration of the evidence that psychological interventions can be helpful in managing dysfunctional belief in conspiracy theoriesstrategies for mental health professionals and family members to best assist clients who are consumed by a conspiracy theoryFeedback or comments? Email the show: [email protected]. A review on Apple Podcasts is always appreciated!Dr. Joe Pierre is a Health Sciences Clinical Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. He is a graduate of MIT, the UCLA School of Medicine, and the psychiatry residency training program at the UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute. He has extensive clinical experience working with individuals with psychotic disorders, substance use disorders, and those with “dual diagnosis.” He has authored over 100 papers, abstracts, and book chapters related to schizophrenia, antipsychotic medications, substance-induced psychosis, delusions and delusion-like beliefs, auditory hallucinations and voice-hearing, and a variety of other topics including the neuroscience of free will and culturally sanctioned suicide. He also writes the Psych Unseen blog at Psychology Today and is working on a forthcoming book with the same title about the psychology of false beliefs. Dr. Pierre serves as an expert witness and consultant in forensic/legal cases involving schizophrenia, the intersection of psychosis and religion, delusion-like beliefs and conspiracy theories, and the side effects of antipsychotic therapy. He has also been featured in numerous interviews for print media, radio, television, and a documentary film.

Ask this episode

“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

Transcript

Related