Emotions expressed in speeches by leaders of ideologically motivated groups predict aggression

Abstract

Anger, contempt, and disgust are emotions associated with violations of ethics and morality, and recent theoretical work has suggested that they are important drivers of group-based aggression and violence. We test this hypothesis by examining the emotions expressed by leaders of ideologically motivated groups when speaking about outgroups they oppose. We analyzed the content of their speeches at three points in time before an identified act of aggression or resistance. We provide initial evidence that leaders' expressions of anger, contempt, and disgust increase immediately before acts of violence, but not those of resistance, and suggest that these emotions are instrumental in inciting groups to commit violence.