Aggressive Personality Research Articles

CANCEL CULTURE AS A TOOL OF SOCIAL INFLUENCE

Cancel culture necessitates a thorough examination for optimizing the efficacy of reputation management and societal influence. It’s essential to assess its effectiveness in driving social change, recognize ethical nuances, and pinpoint potential issues. Originally a value-driven phenomenon, it has evolved into a manipulative tool, amplifying societal emotions. Despite attempts at crisis communication, it often fails to alleviate the consequences for individuals or businesses subjected to «cancellation». The purpose of the study. The article explores cancel culture as a mechanism for social influence and activity, presenting it as an ambiguous phenomenon without clear positive or negative connotations. Methods. The study employed interdisciplinary and logical methods, incorporating systemic and functional approaches, to comprehensively analyze cancel culture. The logical-contradictory method characterized cancel culture as a neutral phenomenon. Content analysis of mass media, social networks, and other platforms was conducted to determine its impact on the public sphere. Results.The article delves into cancel culture within an instrumental context, scrutinizing its effects on influencers and the broader audience. It highlights trends in cancel culture and its significance in the media landscape. Examining its origins across historical contexts, from ancient Greece to Soviet denunciations, reveals cancel culture’s rise in popularity through internet influence. Its core aim is to attribute «violations» to individuals or their communicators, employing mechanics like mass negative reactions and imposing consequences such as boycotts, dismissals, and even death threats. Cancel culture introduces contradictions, resembling a «witch hunt» with the potential for unfair cancellations due to the presumption of innocence and challenges in proving guilt. It denies the right to make mistakes and impacts individuals differently across cultures. While effective on social media, cancel culture often shifts from broad campaigns to personal-level cancellations, capturing societal attention and influencing perceptions of canceled entities.Despite initial destructiveness, it can stimulate constructive discussion and shape public opinion, but risks include excessive sensitivity and the potential for aggression and psychological self-assertion. Cancel culture poses the danger of low personal responsibility, fostering manipulation and abuse. Sociocultural aspects involve the tolerance paradox and the influence of egocentrism on participants.Cancelling may become a tool for personal aggression rather than a quest for justice. Distinguishing real violations from exaggerated or outdated statements is crucial to avoid unjust sanctions. Despite its justice-seeking appearance, cancel culture often relies on emotions and subjective factors, emphasizing the need for careful case analysis. Conclusions. Cancel culture provides a space for discussion as it can serve as a tool for advocating social change and raises questions about the responsibility of influential individuals. However, it is manipulative and selective, and the examination of each cancellation case should consider potential bias and subjectivity. Another danger lies in the increasing sensitivity of audiences to content, which may lead to the perception of offensive material without considering the real context of events.

Detecting agitation and aggression in persons living with dementia: a systematic review of diagnostic accuracy

Objective40–60% of persons living with dementia (PLWD) experience agitation and/or aggression symptoms. There is a need to understand the best method to detect agitation and/or aggression in PLWD. We aimed to identify agitation and/or aggression tools that are validated against a reference standard within the context of PLWD.MethodsOur study was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42020156708). We searched MEDLINE, Embase, and PsycINFO up to April 22, 2024. There were no language or date restrictions. Studies were included if they used any tools or questionnaires for detecting either agitation or aggression compared to a reference standard among PLWD, or any studies that compared two or more agitation and/or aggression tools in the population. All screening and data extraction were done in duplicates. Study quality was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 (QUADAS-2) tool. Data extraction was completed in duplicates by two independent authors. We extracted demographic information, prevalence of agitation and/or aggression, and diagnostic accuracy measures. We also reported studies comparing the correlation between two or more agitation and/or aggression tools.Results6961 articles were screened across databases. Six articles reporting diagnostic accuracy measures compared to a reference standard and 30 articles reporting correlation measurements between tools were included. The agitation domain of the Spanish NPI demonstrated the highest sensitivity (100%) against the agitation subsection of the Spanish CAMDEX. Single-study evidence was found for the diagnostic accuracy of commonly used agitation scales (BEHAVE-AD, NPI and CMAI).ConclusionsThe agitation domain of the Spanish NPI, the NBRS, and the PAS demonstrated high sensitivities, and may be reasonable for clinical implementation. However, a limitation to this finding is that despite an extensive search, few studies with diagnostic accuracy measurements were identified. Ultimately, more research is needed to understand the diagnostic accuracy of agitation and/or aggression detection tools among PLWD.

The Relationship between the Manifestation of Aggressive Behavior and Personality Traits as a Form of Deviation of a Modern Teenager

One of the pressing problems of modern society is the aggressive behavior of adolescents. Despite the large number of studies devoted to this topic, the question of defining aggression as an interdisciplinary phenomenon, as well as the causes and conditions for adolescents aggression, remains controversial and requires additional study due to the fact that today aggression is not just a behavioral reaction, but can also transform into a stable model of deviant behavior. Society has an objective need to resolve the issue of preventing teenage aggression and clarifying its causes. The author has made an assumption and empirically verified that aggressive behavior in its extreme form - in the form of deviant behavior - has a connection with unmet needs and the level of self-esteem of a teenager. In our study, we rely on the work in the field of aggressive behavior and deviant behavior of E.V. Leus and self-esteem of L.S. Vygotsky. The study was conducted using methods for diagnosing the level of aggressiveness of A. Bass and A. Darka to determine typical forms of aggressive behavior, assess the propensity for deviant behavior of E.V. Leus, studying the degree of satisfaction of the needs of students A.A. Andreev and the test “Personality Self-Esteem” by S.V. Kovaleva. As a result of the study, it was found that a high level of aggression manifests itself in a pronounced tendency to deviant behavior. It has also been established that the level of aggression is directly related to unmet needs for safety and social contacts, and a connection between a high level of aggression and an inadequate (overestimated or underestimated) level of self-esteem of adolescents has been identified.

Features of Assertiveness of Boys and Girls with Different Coping Strategies

Introduction. The relevance of identifying the features of assertive behavior of modern young people with various coping strategies in modern society lies in effective interpersonal interaction with society. A review of research on this issue has shown that assertive behavior is a “mature” behavior aimed at countering manipulative behavior. Coping strategies in the framework of theoretical analysis seem to be an important element of assertive behavior. Purpose. To identify the features of assertive behavior of boys and girls with different coping strategies.Materials and Methods. In this study, methods such as analysis of scientific literature, observation, conversation, the use of standardized techniques (methods for diagnosing the level of assertiveness by V. Kaponi and T. Novak, methods for diagnosing personal aggressiveness and conflict by E. P. Ilyin and P. A. Kovalev) and methods of statistical data processing (descriptive statistics and the Kruskal-Wallace mathematical criterion) were used.Results. A theoretical research model has been developed, according to which assertive behavior includes cognitivesemantic, affective and behavioral components that explain in detail the features of personality interaction with society through assertive and coping behavior. The sample was divided into three groups according to the criterion of the predominant type of coping. As a result of statistical data processing, it was revealed that the level of assertiveness of respondents focused on finding social support is situational. Respondents using problem-solving strategies are characterized by a high level of assertiveness, while respondents focused on avoiding the problem have an average level of assertiveness.Discussion. The assertive behavior of young people as self-affirming behavior is interrelated with the strategies of coping behavior used. The results of the study showed that coping strategies of various orientations are typical for people with different levels of assertiveness. This indicates the high practical significance of the results obtained in any practical activity aimed at adapting a person to society

Relations Between Rape Myths and Behavioral and Personality Characteristics in Males Convicted of Rape

To date the relationships between rape myths and other psychological constructs within males who have committed rape have not been explored sufficiently. Considered as a risk factor for the perpetration of rape it seems significant to examine their association to individual behavioral and personality characteristics more in detail. Therefore, we analyzed the relations between self-reported rape myth acceptance and the self-evaluation of aggressiveness, assertiveness, hypersexuality, social anxiety, sexual anxiety, SCID personality characteristics and the external assessment of psychopathy within a sample of N=569 males convicted of rape. The results showed significant correlations with all constructs except sexual anxiety, antisocial personality and psychopathy. Furthermore, findings indicated the assignment of the relevant variables to two principal components: rape myths, aggressiveness, hypersexuality, paranoid and narcissistic personality (K1) on the one hand and psychopathy and antisocial personality (K2) on the other hand. Following the results, rape myths are contextualized within the investigated psychological constructs and their potential differentiation from psychopathy and antisocial personality is discussed.

Double Prevention in Outpatient Forensic Care; Early Psychotic Experiences and Its Relationship with Aggression and Antisocial Personality Disorder

Double Prevention in Outpatient Forensic Care; Early Psychotic Experiences and Its Relationship with Aggression and Antisocial Personality Disorder

Psychometric analysis of questionnaire of cyberbullying and aggression on the Internet

Introduction. The socialization of a modern teenager is inevitably connected with digital skills and communication on the Internet. The Internet itself acts as a cognitive technology that has many benefits and opportunities for cognitive development and education. At the same time, a child's activity on the Internet can lead to a number of risks, including a collision with aggression in the online space. With the development of information technology, a special type of bullying is being formed – cyberbullying. Often, Russian scientific articles do not provide data on the psychometric qualities of cyberbullying questionnaires and questionnaires used in the study. The content of the cyberbullying questionnaire requires constant updating and clarification of behavioral manifestations.Materials and Methods. The paper describes the results of a psychometric test of questionnaire of cyberbullying and aggression on the Internet. The questionnaire consists of 18 direct questions and is designed to define the experience of cyberbullying. Psychometric features of the Survey were tested among sampled 312 respondents, including girls (n=231) and boys (n=81) at the age of 13-22.Results. An exploratory factor analysis determines a four-component model of the Survey: cybervictimity, cyberagression, negative emotions from online communication and a factor of adults’ assistance. The Survey’s scales were verified for their reliability: Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of scales’ internal consistence is 0.712 – 0.779. The Surveys’ scales are reliably interconnected by their correlational ties from 0.50 to 0.60.Discussion and Conclusions. Convergent validity of the Cyberbullying Survey is examined: this revealed reliable correlational ties with all CIAS scales, as well as with personal features of irascibility, proneness to conflicts, suspiciousness, and negative aggression on the whole (Personal Aggression and Proneness to Conflicts by E.P. Ilin and P.A. Kovalev). The obtained results prove that the Survey under analysis is a reliable psychometric instrument for studying cyberbullying which could be applied for scientific purposes and in practice.

Behavioral syndromes in paper wasps: Links between social and non-social personality in Polistes fuscatus.

Although much work has focused on non-social personality traits such as activity, exploration, and neophobia, there is a growing appreciation that social personality traits play an important role in group dynamics, disease transmission, and fitness and that social personality traits may be linked to non-social personality traits. These relationships are important because behavioral syndromes, defined here as correlated behavioral phenotypes, can constrain evolutionary responses. However, the strength and direction of relationships between social and non-social personality traits remain unclear. In this project, we examine social and non-social personality traits, and the relationships between them, in the paper wasp Polistes fuscatus. With a novel assay, we identify 5 personality traits, 2 non-social (exploration and activity), and 3 social (aggression, affiliation, and antennation) personality traits. We also find that social and non-social personality traits are phenotypically linked. We find a positive correlation between aggression and activity and a negative correlation between affiliation and activity. We also find a positive correlation between exploration and activity. Our work is an important step in understanding how phenotypic linkage between social and non-social behaviors may influence behavioral evolution. As a burgeoning model system for the study of genetic and neurobiological mechanisms of social behavior, Polistes fuscatus has the potential to add to this work by exploring the causes and consequences of individual behavioral variation.

Assessment of Psychopathic Traits: A Case Study

Purpose: Present study aim to psychologically accessed a case study of a suspected psychopathic individual Method: Single n subject design was used to investigate a 24 years old male from Peshawar. his case was assessed based on his background history using several assessment measures including the Psychopathic Checklist, House Tree Person (HTP) and GAVEL assessment. Findings: Results confirmed subject ABC's psychopathic characteristics, such as a lack of empathy, remorse, and moral integrity. Conclusion: Subject's evaluation shows a troubling picture with a clear hostile and aggressive personality. Person had lack of remorse and empathy and was much interested in violence, stealing and hurting people. Moreover, materialistic and manipulative characteristic were prominent in him and he often put on a socially acceptable act in front of other while hiding his dark urges. Keywords: drug addiction, psychopath personality trait, GAVEL assessment, HTP

Affective Contributions to Instrumental and Reactive Aggression in Middle Childhood: Variable- and Person-Centered Approaches

ABSTRACT Objective Research on the role of affect in childhood aggression motives has largely focused on domain-level affective traits. Lower-order affective facets may show more distinct relationships with instrumental and reactive aggression – at both the variable and individual levels – and offer unique insights into whether and how several forms of affect are involved in aggression motives. Method Caregivers (98% mothers) of 342 children (M age = 9.81 years, 182 girls, 31% White) reported on children’s aggression and affect-relevant personality traits, personality pathology, and callous-unemotional traits. Results Both reactive and instrumental aggressions were characterized by higher levels of trait irritability, fear, withdrawal, sadness, and callous-unemotional traits in zero-order analyses. Instrumental aggression was characterized by low trait positive emotions. Reactive aggression was uniquely associated with irritability, fear, withdrawal, and sadness, whereas instrumental aggression was uniquely associated with callous-unemotional traits and (low) positive emotions. Groups identified by latent profile analyses were differentiated only by aggression severity. Conclusions The findings support both the similarity and distinction of reactive and instrumental aggression vis-à-vis their affective phenomenology. Consistent with existing theories, reactive aggression was linked to multiple forms of negative emotionality, whereas instrumental aggression was linked to higher levels of callous-unemotional traits. In a novel finding, instrumental aggression was uniquely characterized by lower positive emotions. The findings highlight the utility of pre-registered approaches employing comprehensive personality-based affective frameworks to organize and understand similarities and differences between aggression functions.

The structure of aggressive personality.

We sought to factor analyze a broad array of aggression measures to identify a comprehensive, coherent factor structure for this construct. Measures and models of trait aggression have multiplied to the point of incoherence. In Study 1, a diverse sample of 922 undergraduates completed a battery of items acquired from 42 self-report aggression questionnaires. In Study 2, we administered a curated item pool to another diverse sample of 1447 undergraduates, alongside criterion measures. We curated an initial item pool of 734 items down to 289 items that exhibited sufficient variability, were not redundant with other items, and possessed strong loadings onto a central 'trait aggression' factor. These remaining items were best characterized by a six-factor structure, which captured relational, angry, violent, retaliatory, intimate partner, and alcohol forms of aggression. We estimated their hierarchical structure, correlations with their original aggression scales, Five Factor Model trait dimensions, impulsivity facets, and found them to be robust to gender composition and the inclusion of alcohol-naive and intimate-partner-naive participants. This factor structure mostly supported widely-accepted models of aggressive personality that focus on its overt and relational forms and reactive functions, though proactive aggression only loosely emerged as a distinct entity. We retained the final items as the Comprehensive Aggression Scale (CAS).

Ценностные ориентации курсантов МВД России как регулятор личностной агрессивности

The research presents the results of the analysis of correlation between value orientations and the level of aggression of cadets of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia. The hierarchical structure of values that prevents the manifestations of aggression in the cadet environment is determined. The specific system of interpersonal relations of cadets with a high level of personal aggression is revealed. The found out correlation of cadets’ value orientations with the indicators of interpersonal relations in the service community makes it possible to correct the process of mastering the profession and minimise the risks of deviant behaviour in professional activity.

From Loyal to Saboteur: The impact of Aggression on Consumer-Brand Relationships

Purpose: This study examines the phenomenon of consumer brand sabotage (CBS), with a particular emphasis on exploring the relationships between aggressive personality traits and intentions to engage in CBS. This study specifically investigates that how hostility, rage, physical aggression, verbal aggression, and customer brand sabotage intentions are interrelated. The study's objective is to provide details on the motivations and actions of those who deliberately take action to harm a brand by eroding consumer associations.
 Design/Methodology/Approach: Data for the study comprises a sample of 178 Pakistani university students using survey questionnaires. In order to assess aggressive personality traits, the (Buss and Perry, 2002) aggression scale was used, as well as a scale developed by (Kähr, 2016) and colleagues to gauge customer brand sabotage intentions. In addition, we considered control variables like age, gender, and education.
 Findings: There is a direct link between hostility and customer brand sabotage intentions. Anger and customer brand sabotage intentions were found to have a similar positive and significant relationship. Contrary to expectations, however, verbal or physical aggression was not significantly correlated with customer brand sabotage intentions.
 Implications/Originality/Value: This study makes recommendations for brand managers and marketers that emphasize the importance of understanding and preventing consumer brand sabotage. Furthermore, the paper argues that avoiding CBS might not be immediately compatible with techniques for handling verbal and physical aggression, necessitating the development of novel approaches.

Association Between Suicidal Behaviour and Cannabis and Tranquilizer use, Depression, Aggression and Other Borderline Personality Traits Among Students in Sincelejo, Colombia

ObjectiveThis objective of this study is to examine the association between suicidal behaviour and substance use, depression, aggressiveness and borderline personality traits among adolescents from Sincelejo, a rural city in the north of Colombia. MethodsThis cross sectional study included 352 participants selected by purposive sampling, from a public and a private school located in Sincelejo, Sucre district, in the north of Colombia. Students ages ranged from 12 to 18 years old (mean, 15.09±1.82). The participants completed three screening tools: a socio-demographic questionnaire, a screening instrument to collect information related to the frequency of use of some substances, such as tobacco and cannabis, and a self-report inventory to assess various personality and psychopathology domains. A series of t-tests, ANOVA and linear regression analyses were conducted. ResultsPhysical aggression (t=7.74; p <0.01), cognitive depression (t=5.03; p <0.01), affective depression (t=8.24; p <0.01), affective instability (t=3.46; p <0.01), few social relationships (t=3.36; p <0.01), self-harm (t=3.45; p<.01), cannabis and tranquilizer use (t=2.83; p <0.05; and t=2.37; p <0.05) had a significant independent relationship with suicidal behaviour. Aggression (t=2.59; p <0.05), components of depression (t=9.03; p <0.01) and borderline personality traits (t=4.12; p <0.01) also predicted suicidal behaviour. ConclusionsMore longitudinal studies are needed in this area to identify the causal relations between the factors studied and the suicidal behaviour of young people in Sincelejo.

NEUROTIC TRENDS OF TONYA HARDING IN I, TONYA MOVIE

Psychological issue namely neurotics has always been an important matter in human life since long ago. There have been several literary works that represent this psychological issue. From many of those works which portray psychological problems, I, Tonya is one of the representative works. In this research, the writer did a film study by using the psychoanalysis approach. The source of the data is the script and scenes of the I, Tonya movie. From the research, it can be concluded that a neurotic personality is shaped due to several aspects. Tonya Harding's childhood and culture had an impact on how she behaved as an adult. Because of her experiences as a child and the competitive culture of American citizens, she develops an aggressive personality. We can infer that Tonya's neurotic trend is gravitating away from people who behave aggressively. Instead of being a survivor, Tonya ended up as an aggressive and hostile person. In conclusion, Tonya was only able to use one neurotic trend, acting violently and manipulatively, as a coping method because of her childhood and culture.

The expansion of vanity of Simon in A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man.

An aggressive personality is a distorted personality with dark traits such as arrogance, a sense of power over others, and exploitation. As per Karen Horney's theory of neurosis, all these traits make an individual, psychologically, neurotic, who is willing to go against other people in society. In this paper, drawing upon Horney's theory, I study the aggressive personality of Simon in James Joyce's A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man from three aspects of frustrated selfishness, sense of dominance, and search for respect to make known his neurotic needs for power, admiration, prestige, exploitation and achievement and demonstrate that offensive conducts of Simon make him more insecure and leave him more aggressive toward everybody at home and society.

Violence, Its Roots, and How to Stop It

The Essay opens with the claim that personal Aggression, Violence and Hostility became permanent visitors in our place. This sad situation was the main reason for writing this paper. Along a short historical review, the Author explains the difference between the former well-organized 20th Century and the current Chaotic world perception of the 21st Century. The Author further reminds that the 20th Century contained two World Wars, that killed tens million people and the Cold War, that had divided the world into two large blocs. Further, the essay explains that in this regard the current century is different. No-more big world-wide armed conflicts, but many end-less small disturbing disorders, violent and terror cases. The difference referred also to the personal prominence of the leaders of the wars. The eminence Winston Churchill—the great outstanding leader of the West, Joseph Stalin—the sadist Communist Dictator who killed tenths millions, and Adolf Hitler—the mentally-ill Tyrant of the Nazi regime who was a horrendous, barbaric and murderer of millions. Comparing to these leaders the nowadays villains and terrorists are sick, confused and weak persons who seek recognition. Abstract cut. The Author assumes that criminal Violence and Terror expand at present as result of three reasons: (1) The termination of political debates due to the political parties’ deterioration, (2) A wrong understanding of today’s developments, and (3) an erroneous feeling, about equality that causes much frustrations and lead to wrong expectations. The Author supports countries’ current initiative for fighting against present terrorists by establishing special Polce and Military units, which know the job, professionally and effectively. However, for (a cut) improving the treatment of this sick phenomenon at the future, the Author emphasizes the need to collect reliable information about the relevant population and its personal weaknesses. At the end a six steps therapeutic program is proposed: (a cut), 1) Revealing and Building the Individual’s Inner-self, 2) Pursuing the “Meaning for life” as Life’s Goal, 3) Endorsing Collaboration and Togetherness, 4) Developing and Empowering the Self-esteem, 5) Recognizing and Accepting Social Heterogeneity, and 6) Sharing actively Social Rights and Commitments. Violence and Terrorism are like Malaria mosquitos, small, unseen but very dangerous. Decisiveness, Consistency and Determination are required for successfully eradicate them.

Correlation Between Aggressive Behavior and Impulsive and Aggressive Personality Traits in Stable Patients with Schizophrenia.

To explore the correlation between aggressive behavior and impulsive and aggressive personality traits in inpatients with schizophrenia. In total, 367 inpatients with schizophrenia were divided into two groups: the aggressive group and the non-aggressive group. We assessed inpatients' psychotic symptoms as well as their aggressive and impulsive personality traits using the Positive and Negative Symptom Scale, the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale, and the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire. Compared with the scores of inpatients in the non-aggressive group, the total Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire, subscale, and Barratt Impulsiveness Scale behavioral factor scores in those in the aggressive group were higher (p < 0.05). The results of logistic regression analysis suggested that a high Positive and Negative Symptom Scale positive factor score (odds ratio = 1.07) and a high Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire physical aggression score (odds ratio = 1.02) were risk factors for aggressive behavior. Hospitalized patients with schizophrenia with more severe positive symptoms and aggressive traits may be more prone to aggressive behavior.

Adaptive capabilities of the body and aggressive personality manifestations of modern students at various stages of education in a higher education institution

The determination of the subsequent comprehensive assessment of the peculiarities of the course of adaptation processes, which are characteristic of modern student youth who acquire a certain profession, are closely related to the establishment of the regularities of the course of numerous adaptive mechanisms in the plane of implementation of psychophysiological, mental, and socio-psychological adaptation. The purpose of the work is to carry out a comprehensive hygienic assessment of the adaptation capabilities of the organism based on the definition of its social and psychological component and aggressive personality manifestations of modern students at various stages of education in a higher education institution. Scientific studies were conducted using questionnaires by Rogers and Diamond and Bass-Darky. 307 students, including 150 young women and 157 young men, who studied in the first, third and sixth years of the medical faculty were under supervision during the observation period. The analysis of the obtained data involved the application of descriptive statistics procedures based on the application of the statistical analysis program package “Statistica 6.1” (license number ВXXR901E245722FA). It was established that the highest level of expression of integral indicators of social and psychological adaptation of students, regardless of the time of study in a higher education institution, is characteristic of the characteristics of adaptation manifestations regarding the desire to dominate and accept others; at the same time, the lowest level of expression is for the characteristics of internality and therefore, determines the presence of pronounced signs of transformations of the adaptive content, which mark the tense course of the processes of social and psychological adaptation of students to the conditions of stay in a medical institution of higher education. It was found that among the overwhelming number of students who were studied, the indicators of aggressive personality manifestations exceed the values typical for normative age-sex indicators. This situation determines the need for the development of methods for a comprehensive assessment of the state of adaptive resources of the body of young men and women studying and scientific substantiation of health-preserving technologies, based on which measures of psychohygienic correction should take the leading place.

The Role of Basic Psychological Needs in Right-Wing Extremism Risk Among American Conservatives

ABSTRACT Modern psychological theories of violent extremism stress the roles of social connections and personal meaning as motivators for individuals to participate in extremist groups. Personal meaning and social connections are both important aspects of Basic Psychological Needs Theory, a motivation framework commonly used in workplace and educational psychology. This study sought to assess the relationship between Basic Psychological Needs and extremism among (N = 361) self-identified American conservatives. Psychological Need fulfilment was strongly negatively associated with endorsement of extremism (range of rs = −.43 to −.68). In addition, Psychological Need fulfilment explained incremental variance in extremism scores after accounting for other psychological characteristics, including aggression, psychopathy, empathy, and Five-Factor Model personality traits. These findings suggest that Basic Psychological Needs may be a useful framework to expand our understanding of the etiology of extremism, and that prosocial alternatives for meeting these needs may reduce the risk of engaging in extremist behaviors.