Individual Differences and Violent Extremism: Personality, Mental Disorders, and Risk Pathways

doi:10.1017/9781009407892.006

4 - Individual Differences and Violent Extremism: Personality, Mental Disorders, and Risk Pathways

from Part II - Individual-Level Perspectives

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 31 October 2025

Milan Obaidi ,

Robin Bergh and

John F. Dovidio

Edited by

Milan Obaidi and

Jonas Kunst

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Milan Obaidi: Affiliation:
University of Copenhagen
Jonas Kunst: Affiliation:
BI Norwegian Business School

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Summary

The current chapter focuses on the relationships of stable, nonpathological individual differences to violent extremism. Traditionally, strong contextual forces have been viewed as overriding personal traits in determining group behavior generally and violent extremism specifically. This chapter challenges such conventional wisdom by emphasizing the role of individual differences. We argue and provide evidence that supports and highlights the interplay and complementary roles of individual psychology and social environments in shaping violent extremism. We review recent research exploring the relationship between violent extremism and individual psychological variables such as mental disorders, cognitive styles, motivational imbalances, group identity needs, ideological orientations, sensation-seeking behaviors, and group-based emotions, as well as the Big Five and HEXACO models of personality. We further discuss common criticisms against individual differences in approaches to violent extremism. Here, we distinguish between historical disputes, often based on researchers speaking past each other, and challenges in contemporary individual difference research. Having highlighted the significance of individual differences in violent extremism, we focus on how these insights can aid practitioners and shape policies that counteract violent extremism.

Keywords

individual differences personality mental disorders violent extremism person-situation terrorism violence

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Type: Chapter
Information: The Cambridge Handbook of the Psychology of Violent Extremism , pp. 49 - 77

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009407892.006 [Opens in a new window]

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Print publication year: 2025

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