Conversation: Psycho-Social Aspects of Belief in Conspiracy Theories
More than any other time in recent history, conspiracy theories have contaminated political thinking in this country. Bizarre theories and explanations for current events, both real and imagined, have become an acceptable part of our public dialogue; and some political leaders have given credence to speculations about the motivations of opponents that would once have been viewed as embarrassingly ludicrous.
In this lecture and conversation, we will explore this phenomenon from a psychoanalytic viewpoint. We will discuss the historical antecedents of today's conspiracy theories and the factors in the Information Age that make it unique. We will also discuss developmental and defensive factors that render otherwise intelligent individuals susceptible to conspiracy theories.
Course Objectives:
1. Participants will be able to identify the similarities and differences between today’s conspiracy theories and their historical antecedents.
2. Participants will be able to identify the developmental factors that render people vulnerable to the appeal of conspiracy theories.
3. Participants will learn interventive techniques that can help clients who believe in bizarre conspiracy theories.
Facilitator: William Goldberg, LCSW, PsyA
Place: Zoom Meeting
Date: Sunday, January 10, 2021
Time: 11:am to 1:00pm
Fee: $10 payable via Zelle, PayPal using ipsinfo@ipsnewjersey.org, or check sent to 14-25 Plaza Rd., Ste. N 2-4, Fair Lawn, NJ 07410
by January 8, 2021
Zoom invitation will be sent 24 hours prior to the event.
Please join us after to ask questions and get more information on our program.
2 Credit Hours on January 10, 2021 via Synchronous Videoconference.
2 CEU's provided by the NJSCSW, a recognized provider of Continuing Education Units by the NJ State Board of Social Work Examiners.
