Authoritarianism

People with antagonistic and selfish traits often express their hostility through rigid, authoritarian political beliefs. A new psychological study suggests that strict adherence to rules provides a socially acceptable way for these individuals to assert control over others.

Despite popular beliefs linking psychedelic drugs to open-mindedness, new research published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology suggests that substances like psilocybin and LSD do not reliably alter a person's authoritarian political views.

While authoritarianism is often associated with the political right, new research shows it exists on the extreme left, too. These rigid views are closely tied to a focus on social grievance and underlying psychological distress.

People with more formal schooling are reliably less likely to hold authoritarian political views. A new study of Norwegian twins reveals that childhood environments and genetics largely explain this link, though education itself still plays a role.

A recent study published in the journal Mindfulness suggests that treating oneself with kindness is linked to a preference for social equality. The research provides evidence that empathy bridges the gap between personal well-being and broader societal harmony.

New research suggests that people who endorse right-wing authoritarianism and social dominance are more likely to believe in the paranormal. This connection persists even when accounting for a person's tendency to rely on intuitive versus analytical thinking.

A new study reveals that left-wing authoritarians frequently use egotistical tactics to manage their social image. Right-wing authoritarians are less likely to use these strategies, unless their beliefs are driven by aggression or submission.

A new study finds election conspiracy theories don't necessarily cause democratic backsliding. Instead, people who already support authoritarianism are more likely to embrace conspiracy beliefs.

A new study suggests that identity-based "woke" politics exist on the political right, focusing on white grievance and speech regulation. Researchers developed a new scale to measure these attitudes alongside existing left-wing measures.

Researchers surveyed citizens in nine countries to understand the rise of right-wing populism. They found that support typically stems from either a desire for democratic reform or a specific preference for authoritarian control.

Believing lies isn't always about ignorance; sometimes it's about dominance. New studies spanning eight countries reveal that for many, rejecting shared reality is a way to signal symbolic strength and psychological independence.

A new longitudinal study suggests a two-way relationship between environmental activism and personality. Findings indicate that while specific traits predict involvement, activism itself may increase narcissism and psychopathy over time.

A new survey indicates that while MAGA Republicans frequently view political violence as justified, they are not more likely than other groups to express a personal willingness to engage in it.

When people feel their fundamental needs are being ignored by society, it can fuel an attraction to radical political movements. New research investigates how this sense of deprivation interacts with an authoritarian worldview to influence political sympathies.

New research reveals that partisanship, specifically support for Donald Trump, splits gun owners on democratic values. While the group as a whole is no less democratic than non-owners, a pro-Trump subgroup holds significantly less supportive views on key issues.