Radicalization in Adolescence: the Identification of Vulnerable Groups

Abstract

Given that the normative search for identity and belonging, as well as political socialization, plays an important role during adolescence, this life stage is characterized by high vulnerability to radicalization processes. When investigating the influence of different factors on radicalization processes, latent profile analysis can identify and analyze groups of adolescents with different vulnerabilities. Based on a sample of 6,715 ninth-graders from Germany, we identified six latent classes with specific vulnerabilities to right-wing attitudes as one possible outcome of radicalization. The results show that the class with the highest approval of right-wing statements mainly consists of male adolescents with a high sense of relative disadvantage and social deprivation. Specific family ties constitute a unique feature among those who are indifferent in their attitudes.

Risk assessment challenges in a specialized clinic for individuals referred for violent extremism.

“…This finding is partially corroborated by the high level of multiple past adverse events (trauma, bullying, discrimination) documented in the files, which suggest that traumatic reenactment processes may lead the patients to poorly protect themselves or to unconsciously take risks. The high exposure to social and relational adversity is consistent with the interpersonal violence literature repeatedly underlying the frequent coexistence of victimization and aggression (Siller et al, 2022), as well as the VE literature emphasizing the high prevalence of previous experiences of bullying and violence in youth displaying sympathy for VE and in lone-actor life histories (Ellis et al, 2021; Gill et al, 2017; Miconi et al, 2021; Rousseau et al, 2019; Schröder et al, 2022). The absence of significant associations between the START violence outcome assessment and the type of VE converges with the literature on the similarities of pathways among different forms of extremism (Schmid, 2013).…”

Explaining Prejudicial Attitudes and Bias-Motivated Aggression in Belgium: a Comparison of Individual-Level Theoretical Models

“…This may provide important information to promote attitudinal and behavioral change given that socialization processes occur and are more malleable to change at a young age (Tyler & Trinkner, 2017). Moreover, studies show that youths and young adults are sensitive and impressionable to external stimuli, which can shape their attitudes and behaviors (Gwon & Jeong, 2018;Schröder et al, 2022). Thus, comparing theoretical models of prejudice and BMA on a younger sample may not only elucidate the factors that can contribute to a young person's likelihood of harboring prejudicial attitudes or behavioral intentions, but also how they can be assuaged.…”