Contextual and Psychological Predictors of Militant Extremist Mindset in Youth

This study aims to identify contextual and psychological factors of proneness to radicalization and violent extremism (RVE) operationalized through the Militant Extremist Mindset scale (MEM) consisting of three distinct aspects: Proviolence (PV), Vile World beliefs (VW), and trust in Divine Power (DP).

A path analysis was conducted with contextual factors on the first and psychological factors on the second level of the model predicting the three factors of MEM. Obtained findings reveal a complex interplay of contextual and psychological drivers in the prediction of different aspects of RVE and build upon existing knowledge on risk factors associated with RVE.

The study also provides evidence on risk factors associated with RVE and highlights the importance of linking RVE to social context. Similarly, it underlines the importance of understanding how different contextual and psychological factors can act as protectors against RVE in regards to informing future counter violent extremism programs.