Individual Psychological Characteristics of Members of Destructive Religious and Ethno-Nationalist Organizations

Abstract

Objectives: The relevance of the study is determined by the intensification of the spread of ethno-nationalist sentiments among young people. The purpose of the research is to identify the individual psychological characteristics of the young people being members of destructive religious and ethno-nationalist organizations. Methods/Statistical analysis: The study is based on the fundamental principles of psychology and carried out using its traditional and classical methods: psycho diagnostics and comparative analysis. Findings: The paper deals with the concepts of ethno-nationalist organizations and destructive religious organizations; it analyzes the psychological essence of nationalism and its various forms in relation to patriotism. The authors examine the specificity of the interaction of some modern neo-pagan and nationalist movements, trends and determinants of the manifestations of extremism as regards race, nationality, language, origin and religion on their basis. The paper presents the results of a study of individual psychological characteristics of the persons involved in destructive religious and ethno-nationalist organizations; gives practical recommendations for preventing the spread of ethno-nationalist sentiments among youth. Application/Improvements: Scientifically proven information obtained as the result of the empirical research, makes it possible to deeper understand the psychological laws and mechanisms of young people’s involvement in destructive religious organizations and spread of ethno-nationalist sentiments among them.