De-Radicalization and Social Identity in Far Right Extremists: A Qualitative Study

In this paper, we present preliminary findings from a qualitative study of eight, self-identified former far right extremists, who participated in semi-structured interviews that explored the psychological experiences involved in the processes of disengagement from far right extremist groups and their accounts of de-radicalization. The interviews focused on identifying and elaborating the originating events and experiences that led to group membership and radicalization, as well as those that led to de-radicalization and disengagement from the group. We queried changes in feelings, beliefs, values, and relationships as these related to the processes of disengagement and de-radicalization. A descriptive form of thematic analysis was utilized to identify themes that emerged from participants’ responses (Braun & Clarke, 2006).

We found that participants re-enacted structural elements of their initial radicalization within and throughout the de-radicalization process. Explicitly, participants described a process of de-redicalization and de-identification with an extremist group; implicitly, they also described a latent process recapitulating aspects of their initial radicalization (e.g., re-establishing one’s sense of self/identity and place vis-a-vis an external but socially acceptable group). These themes underscore the importance of group and social identity.

We employ social identity theory (Tajfel & Turner, 1986) as a framework for understanding the emergent themes in the study and map the shifts in social identification in order to explain the interplay of psychological mechanisms and intergroup dynamics that may trigger shifts in social identity. We argue that the process of de-radicalization and disengagement from extremist groups may principally be a shift in social identity.