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The surprising psychology behind extremism, and how politics is driving it

The surprising psychology behind extremism, and how politics is driving it

Science Weekly vor 2 Jahren

A new study appears to show an unexpected link between ambivalence in our views and the likelihood that we’ll support extremist actions. Madeleine Finlay speaks to the study’s co-author Prof Richard Petty to find out what pushes people to take extreme act

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Psychologists usually expect ambivalence to be a driver of
political apathy. But a new study appears to show a link between
ambivalence in our views and the likelihood that we’ll support
extremist actions. Madeleine Finlay speaks to the study’s co-author
Richard Petty, professor of psychology at Ohio State University, to
find out what pushes people to take extreme actions, how politics
could be driving this behaviour and how it could be combated. Help
support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod