Absolutely. Believing in a conspiracy theory is quite often a matter of a person's identity, including their membership in the selective club of those who believe the theory. That is why, as you say, their initial reaction is hostility to challenges to their false beliefs. It is why they cling to the theory in the face of evidence. It is also why the earnest meaning seekers are vulnerable to the con(spriacy) artists and political manipulations of right-wing ideologues who create these false conspiracy stories. Those who care more about other people also care more about truth and being more open to others and to facts, are much less prone to be deceived by conspiracy theories.