Impact of psychological and structural factors on radicalization processes: A multilevel analysis from the 3N model.

Abstract

Objective: Most theories attempting to explain radicalization processes focus on psychological and structural factors. However, the vast majority of empirical studies only consider psychological or structural factors separately. Therefore, this research aims to provide evidence of the relationship between psychological and structural factors in radicalization processes. Method: We used data from the Fénix Andalucía project, which collects student responses focused on the psychological factors proposed by the 3N model of radicalization (N = 4,161) and combines them with the economic, social, and cultural status index (ESCS) of each of the educational centers (N = 86). Results: After performing multilevel regression models using support for violent narratives as the criterion variable, we found that both psychological factors proposed by the 3N model and ESCS appeared to be significant predictors. In addition, we found that the relationship between having a deviant network and supporting violent narratives was stronger when participants studied in a center with lower ESCS. Conclusions: Psychological factors appear to have a greater impact on support for violent narratives, although structural factors are also of some importance and may interact with psychological factors. It follows from these conclusions that violent extremism prevention programs would improve if, in addition to considering psychological variables, they could intervene in the context to make it more favorable.