Predictors of Extremism in College Students

Open Access
- Author:
- Martin, Lisa
- Area of Honors:
- Psychology
- Degree:
- Bachelor of Arts
- Document Type:
- Thesis
- Thesis Supervisors:
- Brenda L Russell, Thesis Supervisor
Sandy Feinstein, Thesis Honors Advisor - Keywords:
- Extremism
Domestic Extremism
Political Beliefs
Ostracism
Self-esteem
Radicalization - Abstract:
- Political extremism is on the rise in the United States. The FBI and Department of Homeland Security both cite domestic extremists as the single gravest threat to the nation’s safety. Many individuals who embrace extreme ideologies do so when they are young, yet little is known about what factors may predict radicalization into extremism. This study assessed a sample of college students on their political beliefs and level of support for extremism and illegal acts in relation to radicalism. Additionally, it gathered data about their self-esteem, self-doubt, experiences of ostracism, and various demographic factors to assess which variables best predict an individual’s level of extremism. While notable gender differences were found, as predicted, political beliefs – both conservative and liberal – were found to be the main drivers of extremism within the entire sample. Among male participants, ostracism and self-doubt were positively correlated with extremism and self-esteem was negatively correlated, whereas among female participants, only conservative political beliefs were correlated significantly with extremism. The relations among extremism, political beliefs, ostracism, and self-esteem require further research with careful attention to gender differences to understand the larger picture of what motivates college students toward extremism.