In this study, changes in support for violent extremism during the transition from late adolescence to early adulthood were investigated, a period that may either increase vulnerability to radicalization or promote maturation and prosocial development.
Using longitudinal data from a cohort study in Zürich, Switzerland (n = 910), the research investigates how and why violent extremist attitudes change between the ages of 17 and 20 using the Reliable Change Index. Second, hybrid regression techniques were used to investigate to what extent theoretically relevant factors can explain between- and within-individual differences in violent extremist attitudes.
Results show that violent extremism attitudes are largely stable or declining during this period. Within-individual changes in low self-control, conflict coping skills, and peer disapproval of violence help explain these shifts. The findings also suggest that increases in psychosocial maturity, stronger prosocial peer bonds, and reduced deviant behavior are associated with lower support for violent extremism.
Learn more about this study here: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10940-021-09522-9
Reference
Nivette, A., Echelmeyer, L., Weerman, F., Eisner, M., & Ribeaud, D. (2022). Understanding Changes in Violent Extremist Attitudes During the Transition to Early Adulthood. Journal of quantitative criminology, 38(4), 949–978