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- Brief created: 2025
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The role of relatedness in radicalization: protector or facilitator
Brief about:
Journal Article (2025)
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We examined how feelings of autonomy, relatedness, and competence are linked to violent extremist attitudes. Furthermore, we tested the role of aggression as underlying mechanism in these relationships. Lastly, to understand the influence of individual differences, we included simple knowledge beliefs and empathic concern as moderators.
Humans strive to achieve a sense of significance, and it is argued that a lack thereof instills a susceptibility to violent extremism. To study feelings of significance, we focused on the three basic needs of human functioning and motivation: autonomy, relatedness, and competence. Specifically, we examined how the frustration and satisfaction of these needs predict extremist beliefs and violence endorsement.
Key findings
- Relatedness frustration was a strong positive predictor of extremist beliefs and violence endorsement. Autonomy and competence frustration had a minimal effect.Evidence
Data were collected via a Prolific survey (n = 734). The key variables were measured via existing scales. To test our hypotheses, we built moderated-mediation models.
What it meansA lack of belonging is a key risk factor for developing extremist attitudes.
- Aggression partially explained the relationship between relatedness frustration and violent extremist attitudes.Evidence
Data were collected via a Prolific survey (n = 734). The key variables were measured via existing scales. To test our hypotheses, we built moderated-mediation models.
What it meansRelatedness frustration instills a heightened impulse to aggress. Combined, a lack of belonging and increased aggression can make violent extremism more appealing. This may occur because extremist narratives often frame aggression as a justified and effective way to restore one’s sense of significance.
- Simple knowledge beliefs (the belief that there are simple solutions for complex problems) strengthened the relationship between aggression and violent extremism. On the contrary, empathic concern weakened this relationship.Evidence
Data were collected via a Prolific survey (n = 734). The key variables were measured via existing scales. To test our hypotheses, we built moderated-mediation models.
What it meansNot everyone who experiences a lack of relatedness will translate the heightened impulse to aggress into support for violent extremism. Certain personality traits can act as a protective factor, whereas others can facilitate the radicalization process.
- Satisfied relatedness was a negative predictor of extremist beliefs and violence endorsement.Evidence
Data were collected via a Prolific survey (n = 734). The key variables were measured via existing scales. To test our hypotheses, we built moderated-mediation models.
What it meansThe perception of having warm and close connections is a safeguard against the development of violent extremist attitudes.
Proposed action
- Focus on social belonging as a means of prevention and intervention for violent extremism.
Redirect extremists or at-risk individuals towards alternative means of experiencing belonging.
Breaking ties with the extremist network and rebuilding an alternative network might be the first necessary step in the deradicalization process. Several deradicalization programs already involve the extremist's family. For instance, during imprisonment, they keep the family nearby so the individual can (re)build close connections with them. After release, the family is given responsibility over the former extremist.
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The role of relatedness in radicalization: protector or facilitator
Cite this brief: Waterschoot, Milena. 'The role of relatedness in radicalization: protector or facilitator'. Acume. https://www.acume.org/r/relatedness-vs-radicalization/
Brief created by: Milena Waterschoot | Year brief made: 2025
Original research:
- Waterschoot, J., Waterschoot, M., & Roets, A., ‘From relatedness frustration to violent extremism: The mediating role of aggression’ Motivation and Emotion https://doi.org/10.1007/s11031-025-10140-2. – https://rdcu.be/etPc2
Research brief:
We examined how feelings of autonomy, relatedness, and competence are linked to violent extremist attitudes. Furthermore, we tested the role of aggression as underlying mechanism in these relationships. Lastly, to understand the influence of individual differences, we included simple knowledge beliefs and empathic concern as moderators.
Humans strive to achieve a sense of significance, and it is argued that a lack thereof instills a susceptibility to violent extremism. To study feelings of significance, we focused on the three basic needs of human functioning and motivation: autonomy, relatedness, and competence. Specifically, we examined how the frustration and satisfaction of these needs predict extremist beliefs and violence endorsement.
Findings:
Relatedness frustration was a strong positive predictor of extremist beliefs and violence endorsement. Autonomy and competence frustration had a minimal effect.
Data were collected via a Prolific survey (n = 734). The key variables were measured via existing scales. To test our hypotheses, we built moderated-mediation models.
A lack of belonging is a key risk factor for developing extremist attitudes.
Aggression partially explained the relationship between relatedness frustration and violent extremist attitudes.
Data were collected via a Prolific survey (n = 734). The key variables were measured via existing scales. To test our hypotheses, we built moderated-mediation models.
Relatedness frustration instills a heightened impulse to aggress. Combined, a lack of belonging and increased aggression can make violent extremism more appealing. This may occur because extremist narratives often frame aggression as a justified and effective way to restore one’s sense of significance.
Simple knowledge beliefs (the belief that there are simple solutions for complex problems) strengthened the relationship between aggression and violent extremism. On the contrary, empathic concern weakened this relationship.
Data were collected via a Prolific survey (n = 734). The key variables were measured via existing scales. To test our hypotheses, we built moderated-mediation models.
Not everyone who experiences a lack of relatedness will translate the heightened impulse to aggress into support for violent extremism. Certain personality traits can act as a protective factor, whereas others can facilitate the radicalization process.
Satisfied relatedness was a negative predictor of extremist beliefs and violence endorsement.
Data were collected via a Prolific survey (n = 734). The key variables were measured via existing scales. To test our hypotheses, we built moderated-mediation models.
The perception of having warm and close connections is a safeguard against the development of violent extremist attitudes.
Advice:
Focus on social belonging as a means of prevention and intervention for violent extremism.
- Breaking ties with the extremist network and rebuilding an alternative network might be the first necessary step in the deradicalization process. Several deradicalization programs already involve the extremist’s family. For instance, during imprisonment, they keep the family nearby so the individual can (re)build close connections with them. After release, the family is given responsibility over the former extremist.