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A New Stress-Based Model of Political Extremism

Author

Listed:
  • Daphna Canetti-Nisim

    (Department of Psychology University of Maryland, College Park)

  • Eran Halperin

    (Department of Psychology Stanford University, Stanford)

  • Keren Sharvit

    (Department of Psychology University of Maryland, Baltimore)

  • Stevan E. Hobfoll

    (Department of Behavioral Sciences Rush University Medical Center, Chicago)

Abstract

Does exposure to terrorism lead to hostility toward minorities? Drawing on theories from clinical and social psychology, we propose a stress-based model of political extremism in which psychological distress—which is largely overlooked in political scholarship—and threat perceptions mediate the relationship between exposure to terrorism and attitudes toward minorities. To test the model, a representative sample of 469 Israeli Jewish respondents was interviewed on three occasions at six-month intervals. Structural Equation Modeling indicated that exposure to terrorism predicted psychological distress (t1), which predicted perceived threat from Palestinian citizens of Israel (t2), which, in turn, predicted exclusionist attitudes toward Palestinian citizens of Israel (t3). These findings provide solid evidence and a mechanism for the hypothesis that terrorism introduces nondemocratic attitudes threatening minority rights. It suggests that psychological distress plays an important role in political decision making and should be incorporated in models drawing upon political psychology.

Suggested Citation

  • Daphna Canetti-Nisim & Eran Halperin & Keren Sharvit & Stevan E. Hobfoll, 2009. "A New Stress-Based Model of Political Extremism," Journal of Conflict Resolution, Peace Science Society (International), vol. 53(3), pages 363-389, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:jocore:v:53:y:2009:i:3:p:363-389
    DOI: 10.1177/0022002709333296
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sullivan, John L. & Marcus, George E. & Feldman, Stanley & Piereson, James E., 1981. "The Sources of Political Tolerance: A Multivariate Analysis," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 75(1), pages 92-106, March.
    2. Sniderman, Paul M. & Hagendoorn, Louk & Prior, Markus, 2004. "Predisposing Factors and Situational Triggers: Exclusionary Reactions to Immigrant Minorities," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 98(1), pages 35-49, February.
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    Cited by:

    1. Robert Grafstein, 2018. "The problem of polarization," Public Choice, Springer, vol. 176(1), pages 315-340, July.

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