Imagined Interactions and Intrapsychic Relational Dissolution Processes among QAnon Nonbelievers

Abstract

Imagined interactions can help individuals as they navigate the end of relationships. In this study, we utilize imagined interactions to understand how participants with a loved one who believes in the QAnon conspiracy imagined interacting with that person. Participants wrote about an imagined interaction with a relational partner. Imagined interactions were qualitatively content analyzed. Themes that emerged from these imagined interactions included imagining ideal scenarios with the partner, justifying relational termination, venting frustrations about the partner, and avoiding imagining the interaction. Functions of imagined interactions, including catharsis and conflict-linkage, are used to help individuals manage intrapsychic processes in relational dissolution.

Keywords

imagined interactions conspiracy beliefs relational dissolution relational termination

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