Lost in the crowd: Conformity as escape following disbelief in free will

• DOI: 10.1002/ejsp.2499
• Publication Date: 2018-04-21T13:44:59Z
• Authors: Andrew B. Moynihan; Eric R. Igou; Wijnand A. P. van...
• Keywords: Conformity; Conformist

Abstract Belief in free will is founded on the idea that people are responsible for their behavior. People who believe derive meaning life from these beliefs. Conformity refers to succumbing external pressures and imitating others’ behaviors. Sometimes, conformity involves a loss of self‐awareness, which reduces perceived meaninglessness. We tested if disbelief increases meaninglessness subsequently become more conformist address this negative existential perception. conducted three studies test hypothesis. In Study 1, experimentally induced resulted 2, correlated with conformity. Finally, 3, mediated relationship between conformity, especially under high self‐awareness. conclude perceptions about play central role