Radicalized Trump Supporters: Construing, Identity Fusion, and Hypothetical and Actual Extremism.
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| Title: | Radicalized Trump Supporters: Construing, Identity Fusion, and Hypothetical and Actual Extremism. |
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| Authors: | Mason, Clare B. (AUTHOR), Winter, David A. (AUTHOR), Schmeer, Stefanie (AUTHOR), Bell, Richard C. (AUTHOR) |
| Source: | Journal of Constructivist Psychology. Jan-Mar2025, Vol. 38 Issue 1, p89-118. 30p. |
| Subjects: | Trump, Donald, 1946-, United States Capitol Insurrection, 2021, Political violence, Politicians, Political affiliation, Radicalism |
| Abstract: | In May 2021, four months after the fatal insurrection of the "Save America" rally at Capitol Hill, 420 supporters of Donald Trump participated in an online study. Although it was not possible to recruit specifically for those involved, a subsample reported being present and active in the insurrection (n = 38), with several involved in the storming of the Capitol Building (n = 28). Individuals' construing was examined through the repertory grid technique, combined with measures of fusion to the group and willingness to undertake hypothetical extreme pro-group actions. Relatively low cognitive complexity was observed in those actually or hypothetically willing to be involved in the most extreme actions, suggesting that they were the least able to adapt to the world around them. A more positive and meaningful view of the self was developed on becoming a Trump supporter, and fellow Trump supporters were construed more positively than anti-Trump activists. Repertory grid and fusion scores were associated with both actual and hypothetical extreme action. Findings assist in the advancement of understanding why some individuals undertake extreme acts on behalf of a political leader, whilst others do not. With political environments becoming increasingly polarized around the globe, such knowledge is vital. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
| Copyright of Journal of Constructivist Psychology is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.) | |
| Database: | Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection |
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| Abstract: | In May 2021, four months after the fatal insurrection of the "Save America" rally at Capitol Hill, 420 supporters of Donald Trump participated in an online study. Although it was not possible to recruit specifically for those involved, a subsample reported being present and active in the insurrection (n = 38), with several involved in the storming of the Capitol Building (n = 28). Individuals' construing was examined through the repertory grid technique, combined with measures of fusion to the group and willingness to undertake hypothetical extreme pro-group actions. Relatively low cognitive complexity was observed in those actually or hypothetically willing to be involved in the most extreme actions, suggesting that they were the least able to adapt to the world around them. A more positive and meaningful view of the self was developed on becoming a Trump supporter, and fellow Trump supporters were construed more positively than anti-Trump activists. Repertory grid and fusion scores were associated with both actual and hypothetical extreme action. Findings assist in the advancement of understanding why some individuals undertake extreme acts on behalf of a political leader, whilst others do not. With political environments becoming increasingly polarized around the globe, such knowledge is vital. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| ISSN: | 10720537 |
| DOI: | 10.1080/10720537.2024.2394075 |
