Positive Existential Psychology for the Prevention of Extremism

Alain Ruffion

• Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan
• Year: 2025
• Print ISBN:
  9783031978012
• eBook ISBN:
  9783031978029
• Topic: Psychology
• Subtopic: Political Philosophy
• Index: Psychology

Many scientific works and studies have focused on the phenomena of extremism and violent radicalization. However, very few resources exist to effectively address this issue from an educational perspective. The diagnoses are often fragmented and give prominence to geopolitical and socio-political factors. Yet an interdisciplinary analysis of the processes of extremism and radicalization indicates the central role of biographical, psychological, or even psychopathological variables and traumas. How can we draw deep lessons from this to innovate in education and truly give ourselves the means to prevent these processes of extremism and radicalization? This book, deliberately choosing positive and existential psychology as a resource, proposes to answer this question with the support of scientific and creative resources that finally address and respond to the root causes. These resources are adapted to socio-educational professions and understandable by parents. They finally restore courage, ideas, and motivating and positive approaches for all those who want to take up this increasingly widespread and threatening challenge within our societies. At the same time, these resources make it possible to work on the transmission of values, strengths, and to contribute to the mental health and fulfilment of our youth, a capital theme if there ever was one.

Table of contents

• Positive Existential Psychology for the Prevention of Extremism
• Introduction
• Contents
• List of Figures
• List of Tables
• 1. Multi-model and Multifocal Approach
• 2. Psychology and Positive Education: Nurturing the Soul Through Socio-Emotional Learning and Character Strengths
• 3. Psychology and Positive Education: Addressing the Needs for Belonging and Connection Through Resilience Mechanisms
• 4. Positive Existential Psychology: Addressing the Needs for Identity, Meaning, and Spirituality
• 5. Existential Positive Psychology to Better Prevent Extremism as a Cross-Cutting Approach in Education
• 6. Existential Positive Psychology in Practice: A Holistic Framework for Nurturing Resilient and Purposeful Youth and New Perspectives About Prevention of Extremism
• Conclusion
• Bibliography