There are distinct psychological explanations for people being drawn to extremist ideologies
Is it true that there are distinct psychological explanations for people being drawn to extremist ideologies?
Yes. Multiple psychological frameworks and empirical studies demonstrate that specific cognitive, emotional, and personality factors—such as the need for cognitive closure, quest for significance, ideological worldviews, and feelings of precarity—help explain why individuals are drawn to extremist ideologies.
Verdict: SUPPORTED · 9 sources for, 0 against · Last checked
The claim asserts that there are distinct psychological explanations for people being drawn to extremist ideologies. Numerous papers in the provided set discuss specific psychological drivers, models (such as the 3N model, significance quest, and socio-functional models), traits (authoritarianism, need for cognitive closure), and psychopathological variables (paranoia, depression) that explain extremist beliefs and actions. All relevant papers support the claim, and none refute it, leading to a SUPPORTED verdict.
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Adam‐Troian, J., Chayinska, M., Paladino, M., Uluğ, Ö., Vaes, J., & Wagner-Egger, P. (2021). Of precarity and conspiracy: Introducing a socio‐functional model of conspiracy beliefs. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjso.12597
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Obaidi, M., Anjum, G., Bierwiaczonek, K., Dovidio, J., Ozer, S., & Kunst, J. (2023). Cultural threat perceptions predict violent extremism via need for cognitive closure. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2213874120
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Marković, M. V., Nicović, A., & Živanović, M. (2021). Contextual and Psychological Predictors of Militant Extremist Mindset in Youth. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.622571
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Silva, C. d., Trottier, D., Amadio, N., Domingo, B., Sarg, R., & Benbouriche, M. (2023). Significance Quest: A Meta-Analysis on the Association Between the Variables of the 3N Model and Violent Extremism. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.1177/15248380231176056
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K, K., J, E., & H, W. (2025). Extreme overvalued beliefs and identities: revisiting the drivers of violent extremism.. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1556919
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A, N. & A, T. (2025). The Dark Side of Ideology: Ideological Worldviews and Antidemocratic Attitudes.. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.1111/nyas.70062
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JJ, B., M, W., H, M., RM, L., M, B. B., L, R., JM, M., & M, M. (2025). Beyond radicalization: the 3N model and its application to criminal attitudes in high-risk contexts.. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1498936
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R, P. (2023). Vice Explanations for Conspiracism, Fundamentalism, and Extremism.. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13164-023-00685-x
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L, F., D, M., G, C., E, L., EA, J., MC, V., & G, C. (2024). What Does It Take to Make an Incel: The Role of Paranoid Thinking, Depression, Anxiety, and Attachment Patterns.. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.1155/2024/5512878
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The claim asserts that there are distinct psychological explanations for people being drawn to extremist ideologies. Numerous papers in the provided set discuss specific psychological drivers, models (such as the 3N model, significance quest, and socio-functional models), traits (authoritarianism, need for cognitive closure), and psychopathological variables (paranoia, depression) that explain extremist beliefs and actions. All relevant papers support the claim, and none refute it, leading to a SUPPORTED verdict.
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