Can Psychologists Help Curb Political Radicalization?

Political Radicalization in America Today

In the contemporary media landscape, inundated with politically radicalizing information disseminated through online channels and media outlets, Americans are gravitating toward extremist ideologies. And increasingly, they are endorsing political violence.

According to the September survey by the Chicago Project on Security & Threats (CPost), 5.5% of Americans, equivalent to 14 million individuals, advocate using force to restore Donald Trump to the presidency. In contrast, 8.9% of Americans, totaling 23 million people, believe force is justified to prevent Trump from assuming the presidency. What the trend most clearly indicates is the need for comprehensive, coordinated programs aimed at dissuading individuals from resorting to violence as a means of engaging with the American political system.

Fortifying mental health resilience is paramount as the U.S. approaches the 2024 election cycle, insights from reputable surveys underscore the urgency. The American Values Survey by the nonprofit Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) finds that nearly one in four Americans contemplate political violence as justifiable. Concurrently, the September 2023 Dangers to Democracy report from the CPost illuminates the troubling surge in the acceptance of political violence within the American populace.

The report scrutinizes Americans’ perspectives on political violence, conspiracy theories, and threats to U.S. elections. Alarming trends emerge, with approximately 6 million Americans newly subscribing to the notion of justifying force to reinstate Trump to the White House, bringing the total to an estimated 18 million individuals. Disregarding this escalating informational threat seems dangerous and ethically untenable.

The ethical principle of beneficence and nonmaleficence obliges psychologists to safeguard their clients from harm, including neglect of potential threats. An attitude of respect and curiosity should guide psychologists in actively listening to their clients, assisting them in discerning misinformation and challenging ill-conceived beliefs.

Psychologists arguably bear an ethical responsibility to shield their clients and communities from violent extremism and misinformation. Staying informed about evolving radicalization techniques, particularly in the present age of artificial intelligence (AI), becomes imperative as predictive technologies increasingly facilitate behavioral modification.

Client-Centered Techniques to Avert Radicalization

The weaponization of minds, propelled by conspiracy theories and extremist ideologies, demands a proactive approach to mental well-being. Clinicians can adopt a comprehensive psychoeducational strategy.to combat radicalization. The Influence Continuum and BITE model I developed—which uses (B)ehavior, (I)nformation, (T)hought, and (E)motion control—can provide guidance:

1. Emphasize Pauses and Adequate Rest:

Encourage clients to take breaks from online content and prioritize sufficient rest to thwart manipulations through undue influence. Recognizing the value of pauses, where critical thinking occurs, becomes pivotal in navigating the information landscape.

2. Check Emotional Regulation:

Address emotional regulation in conversations, as conspiracy theories often exploit fear and hatred as vulnerabilities. Interventions such as cognitive-behavioral techniques can help release negative emotions while reminding clients of potential sources of violent or aggressive thinking.

3. Foster Concern for Society and Diversity:

Cultivate a mindset centered on societal well-being, promoting mental health. Instilling concern for loved ones, global populations, and diversity contributes to a sense of purpose beyond individual concerns, aligning with research on the positive impact of altruism on psychological well-being.

4. Avoid Extremism and Seek Peaceful Resolutions:

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Reinforce the message that individuals should not let others control their minds for personal gain. Encourage patients to take moderate steps toward peaceful resolutions.

By adhering to these principles and integrating them into mental health strategies, psychologists can play a crucial role in mitigating the impact of radicalization on individuals and society in 2024 and beyond.