Unraveling the Mystery: Why Some People Choose Extremism

Have you ever wondered why some people turn to violent extremism? Experts have been puzzled by this question for a long time. One tool they use is called Structured Professional Judgement (SPJ), which helps figure out what makes someone more or less likely to engage in extreme behavior. However, there's a significant gap between what researchers know and what those working on the ground actually need. Researchers in the UK decided to address this issue. They studied data from 485 individuals involved in a program designed to prevent extremism. Instead of just predicting what might happen, they wanted to understand the reasons behind people's actions. Guess what? It's not just one factor that makes someone susceptible to violent extremism – it's a combination of many factors. This new evidence could help professionals make more informed decisions when using SPJ. It bridges the gap between what experts know and what practitioners need, which is crucial for everyone's safety.