Developing a Conceptual Model of Gullibility Based on Islamic Sources

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 . PhD Candidate in General Psychology, Research Institute of Hawzah and University, Qom, Iran (Corresponding Author).

2 . Associate Professor, Department of Education, Research Institute of Islamic Sciences and Culture, Qom, Iran.

3 Level 3 student of Al-Zahra community

10.22034/qve.2025.17536.1689

Abstract

This study aims to develop a conceptual model of gullibility based on Islamic sources. Understanding the concept of gullibility is essential in human nature and falls within the domain of social cognition, as gullibility distorts and weakens an individual's perception of judgments and decision-making. The research method follows a qualitative content analysis approach based on the conventional and directed content analysis of Shey and Shannon. To achieve this, all verses of the Quran and narrations were examined by identifying semantic analysis units, and the data related to gullibility were coded in three stages using qualitative content analysis. The findings indicate that, according to Islamic sources, five main components were identified and inferred: rapid acceptance, rapid change, susceptibility to deception, lack of prudence, and neglect of evil, which were derived from the concepts of folly (safāha), stupidity (ḥumq), and naivety (balah). The developed model highlights that factors such as ignorance, lack of wisdom, disbelief, and the absence of social awareness facilitate gullibility. Upon analyzing these core concepts, which form the central structure of the present model, it was determined that folly and stupidity play the primary roles, while naivety reinforces gullibility. Therefore, in interpersonal relationships, the priority should be addressing the underlying factors to prevent gullibility.

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Main Subjects

References

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History

  • Receive Date: 13 July 2024
  • Revise Date: 15 August 2024
  • Accept Date: 27 January 2025

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