Scientific Approach to Formulate Indicators & Responses to Radicalisation. Empirical study

The present research longitudinally investigates effectiveness of a resilience training meeting the demand for more empirically based research on interventions to counter violent radicalisation (Lub, 2013). Following Steiner (2005), a combination of both qualitative (interviews) and quantitative methods (surveys) was used as this has been proposed to be an effective approach when studying radicalisation processes. By comparing factors over time, the relative importance of factors at different stages could be examined.Two studies were conducted: The aim of the first study was to test the effectiveness of a resilience training focused amongst others on reducing susceptibility of non-radical adolescent Muslims to violent extremism. For the second study, in-depth semi-structured interviews were held with a small group of former right wing extremists from Germany and the Netherlands. The role of psychological and socialization factors were examined before-, during, and after group membership.The results point to the conclusion that in the preventive stage much can be done by applying interventions aimed at self-esteem, agency, empathy towards out-groups and managing negative emotions. These interventions can already be implemented at a young age. The majority of participants became engaged in extremist groups at a very young age (below 15 years old), a finding that replicates previous research on radicalisation processes among right-wing and Islamic extremists. Adolescence seems to be a critical period to intervene in regard to prevention. Results of the interview study with former right-wing extremists shows that the most important factors that motivate people to disengage are bad functioning of the group or disappointment in its members. Analyses of factors over time showed that self-esteem was low before group membership, high during group membership, and decreased again after leaving the group. In addition, evidence was found in support of the bridge-burning hypothesis. When individuals got involved in the extremist group ties to the "outside world" (family, former friends, education, work) deteriorated. The former extremists emphasized that restorative interventions should be matched to the individual. Individuals should be motivated to disengage and third parties (non-governmental organizations, first-line workers) could provide social support (persons who disengage often experience falling into a ‘black hole’) and aid in building a new life. It is difficult to motivate people to leave an extremist group once they are in. Finally, key events were found to be important both at the engagement as well as the disengagement stage. These events motivated individuals to join or leave the group.