Disconnected Out of Passion: Relationship Between Social Alienation and Obsessive Passion.

Violent radicalization continues to be a global problem. One of the main proposals for understanding radicalization and support for political violence is based on social alienation as a trigger. That is, individuals who feel alienated from society try to get out of this situation by using violence, if necessary. However, social alienation alone is not enough to explain radicalization. Therefore, we propose that social alienation interacts with other factors to foster radicalization. Particularly, we propose that obsessive passion, an internal compulsion that leads a person to engage in an activity even when they should not, is one of the interacting factors. Following previous literature, we hypothesized that higher social alienation predicts support for political violence to a greater extent the higher the obsessive passion. To test this hypothesis, we performed two studies in which the cause of passion varied (religion: N = 652 and family: N = 873). Both studies assessed social alienation, harmonious and obsessive passion, and support for political violence. The results showed a significant increase in the effect of social alienation on support for political violence when obsessive passion was higher, even controlling by harmonious passion. These results highlight the importance of considering other variables related to social alienation that could facilitate radicalization processes, particularly maintaining an obsessive passion for a cause when one feels a social disconnection. The theoretical and practical implications of these results are discussed given their contributions to prevention based on work on feelings of social disconnection and harmonization of causes.

Development and Validation of SERR Scale for Detecting Extremism and Religious Radicalism.

BACKGROUND: In line with the growing religious, political and social violence around the world, this study evaluates the psychometric properties of a new scale for Detecting Extremism and Religious Radicalism (SERR), a self-report measure of extremism and religious radicalism. METHOD: Factor analyses, validity and reliability data were collected using a sample of 1985 participants from 58 different cities around Spain who self-identified as actively practicing their religion. RESULTS: Statistical analyses of SERR scores yielded acceptable internal consistency scores (ω > .74) and confirmed key factors associated with radicalism and extremism. The structure of the scale was confirmed as two-dimensional (χ2(64) = 361.22, p < .001, CFI = 0.976, TLI = 0.970, RMSEA (90% CI) = 0.089 (0.080 - 0.098), SRMR = 0.064). Scores for the extremism dimension correlated significantly and positively with scores for the same factor on the Activism and Radicalism Intention Scales (r = .32, p < .001, n = 139). CONCLUSIONS: The SERR demonstrates adequate reliability and validity for evaluating the degree of extremism and radicalism in Christian/Catholic and Muslim believers.

Development and Validation of SERR Scale for Detecting Extremism and Religious Radicalism / Desarrollo y Validación de la Escala SERR para la Detección del Extremismo y Radicalismo Religioso

Background: In liiine with the growing religious, political and social violence around the world, this study evaluates the psychometric properties of a new scale for Detecting Extremism and Religious Radicalism (SERR), a self-report measure of extremism and religious radicalism. Method: Factor analyses, validity and reliability data were collected using a sample of 1985 participants from 58 different cities around Spain who self-identified as actively practicing their religion. Results: Statistical analyses of SERR scores yielded acceptable internal consistency scores (ω > .74) and confirmed key factors associated with radicalism and extremism. The structure of the scale was confirmed as two dimensional (χ²(64) = 361.22, p < .001, CFI = 0.976, TLI = 0.970, RMSEA (90% CI) = 0.089 (0.080 - 0.098), SRMR = 0.064). Scores for the extremism dimension correlated significantly and positively with scores for the same factor on the Activism and Radicalism Intention Scales (r = .32, p < .001, n = 139). Conclusions: The SERR demonstrates adequate reliability and validity for evaluating the degree of extremism and radicalism in Christian/Catholic and Muslim believers.(AU)

Antecedentes: en consonancia con la creciente violencia religiosa, política y social en todo el mundo, este estudio evalúa las propiedades psicométricas de la escala para la detección del extremismo y el radicalismo religioso (SERR), una medida de autoinforme del extremismo y el radicalismo religioso. Método: los análisis factoriales y las evidencias de validez y fiabilidad se recopilaron utilizando una muestra de 1985 participantes de 58 ciudades distintas de España que se identificaron a sí mismos como practicantes activos de su religión. Resultados: los análisis estadísticos de las puntuaciones SERR arrojaron puntuaciones de consistencia interna aceptables (ω > .74) y confirmaron los factores clave asociados con el radicalismo y el extremismo. La estructura de la escala se confirmó como bidimensional (χ²(64) = 361.22, p < .001, CFI = 0.976, TLI = 0.970, RMSEA (90% CI) = 0.089 (0.080 - 0.098), SRMR = 0.064). Las puntuaciones de la dimensión de extremismo se correlacionaron significativa y positivamente con las puntuaciones del mismo factor en la Escala de Intención de Activismo y Radicalismo (r = 0,32, p < 0.001, n = 139). Conclusiones: los autores concluyen que el SERR muestra una fiabilidad y validez adecuadas para evaluar el grado de extremismo y radicalismo en creyentes cristianos/católicos y musulmanes.(AU)

Evidence of Psychological Manipulation in the Process of Violent Radicalization: An Investigation of the 17-A Cell.

Introduction: Radicalization leading to violence is a complex social process that frequently targets young people. In this study, we examine the 17-A cell, which carried out terrorist attacks in the Spanish cities of Barcelona and Cambrils on August 17, 2017. We focus on the psychological manipulation techniques used to radicalized members of the cell. Methods: Using deductive content analysis, we examined the judicial order of the National High Court related to "Operation Ramblas" and the police proceedings of Cuerpo de Mossos d'Esquadra (CME) associated with the Barcelona and Cambrils attacks. Our goal was to determine whether psychological manipulation was used on the cell members and, if so, how frequently. Results: Our results suggest that different psychological manipulation techniques were used on the 17-A cell members to facilitate their use of ideological violence. The most frequent strategies were cognitive control (control of attention, group identification, and denigration of critical thinking), environmental control (control of information), and emotional control (authoritarian leadership). Conclusions: This study provides evidence that psychological manipulation techniques were used in the radicalization of 17-A cell members. The results are discussed in the context of previous research on the psychology of violent extremism and terrorism. We highlight the need for prevention and psychosocial interventions to steer young people away from violent extremism.

Social inclusion level of Spanish and foreign adolescents: Proposal for an evaluation instrument.

Social exclusion is one of the most complex and sensitive social problems nowadays. Of all social groups, adolescents are among the most vulnerable to social exclusion, which can interfere with their social development. Consequently, the evaluation of this construct in adolescents is an important matter. The aim of this investigation was to develop the Social Inclusion for Adolescents Scale (SIAS). Firstly, five psychosocial factors were proposed, which potentially contribute to social inclusion: (1) covered needs, (2) self-efficacy, (3) social support, (4) job training, and (5) social integration. From these five factors, a set of items was created and reduced using qualitative evaluations. The final set of items was used in three studies, with a Spanish population (N = 1540) and a foreign population (N = 460), to test the psychometric properties of the scale, its dimensional structure, the measurement invariance between Spanish and foreign people, the reliability of the instrument and the evidence of the validity of its measurements. The results indicate that this scale is psychometrically reliable enough to assess social inclusion in adolescents. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12144-020-01201-5.

Adaptation, validity, and reliability of the Interaction with Disabled Persons Scale in Spanish population.

PURPOSE: To adapt the Interaction with Disabled Persons Scale (IDP) into Spanish and examine its factor structure. METHODS: A forward and back translation of the IPD was performed by professional translators of scholarly articles. Spanish-speaking professional translators provided modifications in order to develop the final version of the scale. Participants filled in the Spanish version of the IDP, Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS), Multidimensional Attitudes Scale toward persons with disabilities (MAS), and Semantic Differential Technique (SDT). RESULTS: A total of 523 persons (62.6% women), with a mean age of 29.22 (SD = 14.03) ranking from 18 to 81. The confirmatory factor analysis showed a reliable brief version of the IDP with adequate psychometric properties and two factors: (χ(19)2=28.98, p < 0.001, CFI = 0.94, TLI = 0.91, RMSEA (90% IC)=0.05 (0.01, 0.08), SRMR = 0.06). The first factor solution was Coping/Succumbing Framework and the second factor was Discomfort in Social Interaction. The internal consistency reliability for the first factor was 0.63 and for the second 0.66. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings provide evidence of the psychometric properties of the IDP as a brief measure of attitude toward individual with special needs in Spanish population.Implications for rehabilitationThe Interaction with Disabled Persons Scale (IDP) was successfully translated into Spanish language.The Spanish version of IDP Scale has a good acceptability, acceptable internal consistency, and high test-retest reliability.The Spanish version of IDP can been used to assist the clinicians, educators, and researchers in identifying the attitudes of the Spanish population toward persons with functional diversity in Spanish.Identifying the attitudes will permit to improve the inclusion polity and to design social programs toward greater inclusion.

Spanish adaptation of the Ambivalent Classism Inventory (ACI) / Adaptación del Inventario de Clasismo Ambivalente (ICA) para hispanohablantes

Abstract Introduction: Hostile and benevolent classism influence the derogation of poor people and groups, with negative consequences. The present study aims to adapt and validate the Ambivalent Classism Inventory (ACI) to obtain an adequate tool for expanding research on this topic among the Spanish-speaking population. Method: Toward this end, the researchers back-translated the ACI version originally developed for English speakers. Exploratory and confirmatory analyses verify the ACI's reliability and factor structure with a sample of Mexican participants. Results: The results demonstrated that the adapted scale's psychometric properties are acceptable. Its original and factor structure are similar to those of the original scale: hostile classism (12 items), protective paternalism (4 items), and complementary class differentiation (4 items). Furthermore, the study tests the convergent and divergent validity of the scale´s sub-dimensions concerning other ideological and socioeconomic variables. Conclusion: The proposed ACI adaptation should contribute to understanding attitudes toward the poor as well as their consequences among Spanish speakers.

Resumen Introducción: El clasismo hostil y benevolente contribuye a la discriminación de las personas y grupos pobres, lo que implica consecuencias negativas para estos individuos. Este artículo tiene como objetivo adaptar y validar el Inventario de Clasismo Ambivalente (ACI) para obtener una herramienta adecuada que sea útil para expandir la investigación sobre este tema entre la población hispanohablante. Método: Con este fin, se tradujo al español la versión del ACI desarrollada originalmente para angloparlantes, y esta versión en español fue a su vez traducida al inglés. Tras la aplicación de la escala en español, se llevaron a cabo análisis exploratorios y confirmatorios para verificar la confiabilidad y la estructura factorial del ACI en una muestra de participantes mexicanos. Resultados: Los resultados demostraron que las propiedades psicométricas de la escala adaptada son aceptables. Su estructura original y factorial son similares a las de la escala original: clasismo hostil (12 ítems), paternalismo protector (4 ítems) y diferenciación de clases complementarias (4 ítems). Además, el estudio confirmó la validez convergente y divergente de las subdimensiones de la escala en relación con otras variables ideológicas y socioeconómicas. Conclusión: La adaptación propuesta de ACI contribuirá a comprender las actitudes hacia los pobres y sus consecuencias entre los hispanohablantes.

Adaptation and validation into Spanish of the Workplace Dignity Scale / Adaptación y validación al español de la Escala Dignidad en el Trabajo

Abstract Introduction and objective: Workers contend with many threats while performing their daily routine that could undermine their dignity, such as denigrating comments from supervisors or co-workers. Denying workers' dignity constitutes a direct threat towards their well-being. The aim of this paper is to adapt and validate the Spanish version of the Workplace Dignity Scale (WDS). Method: An instrumental design was executed in order to adapt the scale to Spanish with a Mexican population (N = 588). Following back-translation, three studies were conducted in which confirmatory factor analysis, correlations, regressions, and invariance analysis were applied. Results: The results showed that the Spanish adaptation conforms to the six-factor structure of the original scale and that organisational dehumanisation and workers' self-objectification predicted dignity at work; with workers' self-objectification being the variable that most strongly predicted workers' dignity. Finally, we also evaluated measurement invariance comparing our data with the results of the original scale. In general, results indicated that even when the Spanish version of the WDS presented an adequate factor structure, its measurement presented different factor loadings and slopes compared with the measurement of the original scale. Conclusions: In general, we have an instrument adapted to the Mexican context that allows us to evaluate workers' sense of dignity in the workplace.

Resumen Introducción y objetivo: Los trabajadores pueden enfrentar muchas amenazas mientras realizan su rutina diaria que podrían socavar su dignidad, como comentarios denigrantes de supervisores o compañeros de trabajo. Negar la dignidad de los trabajadores constituye una amenaza directa para su bienestar. El objetivo de este artículo fue adaptar y validar la versión en español de la Workplace Dignity Scale (WDS). Método: Se realizó un diseño instrumental con el fin de adaptar la escala al español con población mexicana (N = 588). Después de realizar una traducción inversa, se realizaron tres estudios donde se aplicaron análisis factoriales confirmatorios, correlaciones, regresiones y un análisis de invarianza. Resultados: Los resultados mostraron que la adaptación al español se ajusta a la estructura de seis factores de la escala original y que la deshumanización organizacional y la auto-objetivación de los trabajadores predecían la dignidad en el trabajo; siendo la auto-objetivación de los trabajadores la variable que predecía en mayor medida la dignidad de los trabajadores. Finalmente, también se evaluó la invariancia de medición comparando nuestros datos con los resultados de la escala original. En general, los resultados indicaron que aun cuando la versión en español de la WDS presentaba una estructura factorial adecuada, su medición presentaba cargas factoriales y pendientes diferentes en comparación con la medición de la escala original. Conclusiones: En general, contamos con un instrumento adaptado al contexto mexicano que nos permite evaluar el sentido de dignidad de los trabajadores en el lugar de trabajo.

The role of vulnerable environments in support for homegrown terrorism: Fieldwork using the 3N model.

The 3N model of radicalization proposes that violent radicalization is the result of the contribution of needs, networks, and narratives. Although research has mainly been supportive of this perspective, a substantial amount of ground remains uncovered regarding the network component of the model. Within this framework, we examine why individuals living in certain social environments tend to harbor more positive attitudes toward homegrown terrorism than others. Building on prior research, we hypothesized that individuals living in social environments known to be vulnerable (vs. less vulnerable) are more likely to experience a sense of significance loss (i.e., lack of social integration, perceived conflicts between religious groups), find solace in religious social networks (i.e., mosques), and thus adhere to radical narratives (i.e., legitimization of terrorism). A study with 365 young Muslims from different cities in Spain (Almería, Barcelona, Ceuta, and Melilla)supported these predictions. Theoretical and practical implications for the study of violent extremism are discussed.

Kogan's Attitude toward Old People scale revisited: Psychometric properties and recommendations.

Population ageing is one of the present and future challenges in the European context. In addition to age-related changes, negative and judicious attitudes by society are also prevalent. Therefore, there is a need for reliable instruments to evaluate attitudes toward ageing. In this vein, the present research aims to provide a reliable version of the Kogan's Attitudes toward Older People scale adapted to the Spanish context. In a sample from the academic community (N = 163), we evaluated the reliability, the psychometric properties, and the internal consistency of a version of Kogan's scale translated into Spanish. The results showed a reliable short version of the scale with adequate psychometric properties and two factors: positive and negative. Moreover, the correlates with similar measures of attitude toward older people proved external validity measures by the short scale. The implications and contributions to the geriatric population are discussed.

From Oppression to Violence: The Role of Oppression, Radicalism, Identity, and Cultural Intelligence in Violent Disinhibition.

Violent radicalization and terrorism continue to pose social and security problems. Starting from the theoretical framework offered by the significance quest theory, the purpose of this research was to analyze the different roles that radical intentions play in the relationship between the loss of significance and violent disinhibition in Muslims and non-Muslims. For this reason, we carried out two studies: the first one with 133 Muslims and 126 non-Muslims, and the second with 98 Muslims and 167 non-Muslims. Specifically, we measured how perceived oppression influenced violent disinhibition through radical intentions. Secondly, we also measured the impact of identity and cultural intelligence in these relations. The main finding of the research was that there was an indirect effect of perceived oppression on violent disinhibition through radical intentions in the Muslim sample, whereas, in the non-Muslim sample, the effect of perceived oppression on violent disinhibition was not mediated by radical intentions. These results were replicated in both studies. Additionally, we found that identity and culture were factors that moderated the proposed relations. This work therefore shows that the conjunction of the loss of significance and radical intentions seems to strongly exacerbate the likelihood of a process of violent disinhibition for those who are considered to be in marginal contexts. Overall, different pathways and intervening factors are in the process of radicalizing Muslims and non-Muslims in Western societies.