2025/05/12 by Sylwia Opozda-Suder, Agata Łopatkiewicz, Małgorzata Michel · 1 voice
Psychology · Social Sciences · #Death Anxiety and Social Exclusion #Religion, Spirituality, and Psychology #Terrorism, Counterterrorism, and Political Violence
paper · doi:10.1037/vio0000612
openalex publication_date 2025/05/12 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/02
Objective : this study aimed to address the gap in knowledge by investigating a comprehensive model that simultaneously examines the direct effects of self-esteem on aggression and the indirect effects mediated by loneliness and sympathy for violent radicalization. In this way, we seek to provide a deeper understanding of how these socioemotional and ideological factors are collectively related to aggressive behavior among young people. Method: Data were collected from 767 university students (M = 21.14, SD = 1.90) using an online survey containing self-report scales on self-esteem, loneliness, violent radicalization, and aggressive behavior. The main analyses were conducted using path analysis with a maximum likelihood estimator. Results : the results indicate that the direct effect of self-esteem on aggressive behavior was nonsignificant. Aggression was directly related to loneliness and sympathy for violent radicalization, with loneliness showing the strongest association. Simultaneously, path analysis confirmed two indirect effects from self-esteem to aggressive behavior, one via loneliness and the other via radicalization. Additionally, a sequential pathway emerged, showing that self-esteem influences aggressive behavior through loneliness and then radicalization. Conclusions : the findings demonstrate that self-esteem indirectly influences aggressive behavior through its connections with loneliness and sympathy for violent radicalization, without a direct effect on aggression. These results underscore the importance of addressing loneliness and the need to mitigate the influence of loneliness and radical ideologies in interventions targeting aggressive behavior, with a focus on promoting inclusive environments that foster social belonging. Public Significance Statement: This study highlights that low self-esteem in young adults can lead to loneliness, which may foster aggressive behavior and increase susceptibility to radical ideologies that justify aggression. These findings point to the importance of addressing loneliness and the influence of radical ideologies in programs aimed at reducing aggression.