Integrating values and cognitive style in a model of right-wing radicalism. (March 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lauriola, Marco; Foschi, Renato; Marchegiani, Luca
• Is Part Of: Personality and individual differences. Volume 75(2015)
• Page Start: 147
• Page End: 153
• Publication Date: 2015-03
• Subjects: Moral absolutism -- Splitting -- Egalitarianism -- Libertarianism -- Political attitudes -- Values -- Right-wing orientation; Personality -- Periodicals; Individuality -- Periodicals; Individuality -- Periodicals; Personality Development -- Periodicals; Personnalité -- Périodiques; Individualité -- Périodiques; 155.205
• DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2014.11.028
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0191-8869

Abstract

Highlights: We examined multi-factorial models of ideology including attitudes and values. We operationalized the notion of disjunctive binary logic. We presented a psychological model of totalitarian mindset including binary logic. Disjunctive binary logic mediated between values and right-wing radicalism. Abstract: Research has shown that multi-factorial models of ideology not only account for political orientation but also highlight its core aspects (Feldman & Johnston, 2014). Recently, Montuori (2005) argued that reasoning according to a "logic of disjunction that creates binary opposition" exacerbates what is termed the "totalitarian mindset" (p. 26). In this study we examined this hypothesis by testing a model in which a disjunctive binary logic mediates values and proxies for right-wing radicalism. Methods : 425 participants completed a survey on political orientation that included measures of social dominance orientation and right-wing authoritarianism. Personal values, egalitarianism, and beliefs in a free society were also assessed as they are motives typically associated with ideology. Lastly, we assessed disjunctive logic based on a scale derived from a comprehensive study of ambiguity intolerance markers. Results : A structural equation model in which beliefs in free society, egalitarianism, security, universalism and traditionalism predicted right-wing radicalism was tested with or without interposing a disjunctive logic factor. Our findings show that disjunctive logic played a major role in predicting behaviors associated with right-wing radicalism.