has gained vast amounts of media attention over the last few years as it is the main ideological background of the most modern-day terrorist attacks in the United States (Chermak & Gruenewald,...Show morehas gained vast amounts of media attention over the last few years as it is the main ideological background of the most modern-day terrorist attacks in the United States (Chermak & Gruenewald, 2015). According to Gøtzsche-Astrup, individual protective factors from radicalization are a predictable worldview, a sense of meaning and basic security (2018, p. 98). In addition, negative reflections within the field of radicalization studies identify highly racialized practices of Muslim profiling to be apparent and therefore, the research on white-supremacist and anti-government extremism might lead to underestimations of their presence (McCauley, 2012). This research will focus on two far-right extremist categories, white supremacism, and anti-government extremism. Hence, this research aims to study associations between close relationships with radicalized individuals and violent radicalization in the United States within these two groups. The theoretical framework for this research is based on the Significance Quest Theory, which describes a framework for understanding the involvement in violent extremism (Kruglanski et al., 2018). The elements in Significance Quest theory are then explained through the broader context of Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory which describes development through the multi-faceted setting one is in. The variables used in this research are based upon the developmental influence that factors in the microsystem (EST) have on the individual. The data used to conduct this research are provided by the Profiles of Individual Radicalization in the United States (PIRUS) dataset which includes anonymous information on the individual level regarding the attributes, radicalization processes and backgrounds of more than 3200 non-violent and violent extremists (Profiles of Individual Radicalization in the United States (PIRUS) | START.umd.edu, n.d.). In addition, the far-left, far-right, single-issue and Islamists ideologies in the period from 1995 until 2021 are covered in the dataset (Profiles of Individual Radicalization in the United States (PIRUS) | START.umd.edu, n.d.). The scientific significance of the current research is to expand on the wider body of knowledge on right-wing extremists sub groups as their prevalence in society has become more apparent and their, often more violent, deeds stipulate the importance of understanding characteristics which could be predictive of or protective from far-right violent extremism (Chermak & Gruenewald, 2015). In addition, knowledge on the differences between far-right movements can also aid the understanding of potential risk factors for involvement in particular right-wing groups. The contribution of this research to the broader field of counterterrorism could, when empirically supported by other studies, eventually lead to policy changes in favor of tackling violent extremism as a societal problem. The current research will first provide the reader with a literature review and a theoretical framework. Subsequently, the research design and methodological approach will be discussed, followed by the results. The main point and reflection will be discussed in the discussion and conclusion.Show less
Research has shown that internationally adopted children have more behavioural problems during their primary school period than their classmates. This study helps to gain insight into the effects...Show moreResearch has shown that internationally adopted children have more behavioural problems during their primary school period than their classmates. This study helps to gain insight into the effects of a risk factor (stressful events) and a protective factor (socioeconomic status) on behavioural problems of adopted children. More specifically, the central question addressed in this study was: what are the effects of recent stressful events (0-2 years ago) and SES on behavioural problems of internationally adopted children at the age of both 7 and 14 years? The dataset used in this study (N = 74) is part of the Leiden Longitudinal Adoption Study. The children (26 boys and 48 girls) have been adopted at a very young age (M = 10.19 weeks) from Sri Lanka, South-Korea and Colombia. Using the Teacher Report Form (TRF), behavioural problems of the children at the age of 7 and 14 were measured. During these measurements stressful situations and SES were established. ANOVA’s were performed to determine the effects of these factors on behavioural problems. The results show that based on the data used in this study, there are no effects of stressful events and SES on behavioural problems of internationally adopted children. Stressful events is not a risk factor for adopted children having more behavioural problems. Socioeconomic status is not a protective factor for adopted children having less behavioural problems. This may be explained by the specific sample and the SES of the families (mostly middle class). Further research with a more varied research group and other research methods is recommended.Show less
