Religious Radicalism Behavior: The Role of Pro-Violence and Dark Personality

Abstract

Introduction. The role of personality seems to have not been thoroughly and extensively studied in research on radicalism and views that support violence. Several recent research results reveal that it is very important to see radicalism and proviolence associated with dark personalities. This study aims to determine the relationship of dark personality with radicalism and Proviolence. Method. The study population comprised students (N=469) at the Balikpapan State Polytechnic were given a random online questionnaire to fill out. Data analysis in this study used Partial Least Square (PLS) based on structural equation modelling techniques. Result. The goal was to find out if dark personality has a direct effect on proviolence and radicalism and if proviolence can act as a bridge between dark personality and radicalism. The results reveal that dark personality traits like psychopathy and narcissism have a direct effect on proviolence, except for dark personality traits like Machiavellianism. Meanwhile, the dark personalities' Machiavellianism and psychopathy have a direct effect on radicalism, except for the dark personality's narcissism, which has an indirect influence through proviolence as a mediator. The findings of this study indicate that dark personality has a direct and indirect influence on radicalism, and that proviolence can become a mediator between dark personality and radicalism. Discussion. Research findings are discussed, with the implication of considering personality factors in detecting and assessing radicalism.