Understanding the Roots: Psychological and Societal Factors Contributing to Violent Polarization in College Students

Abstract

This study examines the effects of familiarity with polarization, religious effects, knowledge polarization, awareness of government efforts, Internet use, security, leadership style, media, education & ideology understanding, tolerance, digital respect, low self-control, and strain on violent polarization in college students. A convenient sample of college students (n=142) was used, of whom 61% were males, 43% were science college students, and 30% were military college students. The scales were highly reliable (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.81) and valid (construct validity: low self-control = 0.465 and strain = 0.351). The independent predictors explain approximately 33.5% of the variance in violent polarization (as indicated by adjusted R-squared scores) using the fitted regression model, and 26% were arts and social college students.  A questionnaire was constructed as a research tool. ANOVA specified the above statistical significance of the regression model (F=4.867, p=0.000). They concluded that media exposure and a particular leadership style were key drivers of increasing polarization, whereas knowledge most certainly had little effect. These analyses psychoanalytically explain how violent polarization occurs in a democratic society and suggest ways that intervention may make a contribution to de-escalating polarization in societies. It really emphasizes the importance of being thoughtful about what we consume in the media and our leadership approaches to counter political violence among college students.”