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Need for closure and perceived threat as bases of right-wing authoritarianism: A longitudinal moderation approach

De keersmaecker, Jonas, Roets, Arne, Dhont, Kristof, Van Assche, Jasper, Onraet, Emma, Van Hiel, Alain (2017) Need for closure and perceived threat as bases of right-wing authoritarianism: A longitudinal moderation approach. Social Cognition, 35 . pp. 433-449. ISSN 0278-016X. (doi:10.1521/soco.2017.35.4.433) (KAR id:59827)

Abstract

Epistemic motives and threat have been considered important bases of right-wing authoritarianism (RWA) for a long time. Yet, the interplay between these variables has hardly been investigated. The present study therefore examined how the interaction between dispositional need for closure (NFC) and perceived external threat, in addition to their main effects, shapes individuals’ endorsement of RWA. In a representative sample collected in the Netherlands (N = 588), the results revealed cross-sectional as well as longitudinal interaction effects. In particular, higher levels of NFC were related to higher levels of RWA when individuals perceived relatively low levels of external threat. However, when the levels of perceived threat were relatively high, NFC was not significantly related to RWA. We discuss the importance of taking into account perceived contextual factors in theorizing on the motivated social cognitive basis of authoritarian ideology.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1521/soco.2017.35.4.433
Uncontrolled keywords: need for closure, threat, authoritarianism, longitudinal design, moderation
Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Human and Social Sciences > School of Psychology
Depositing User: Kristof Dhont
Date Deposited: 11 Jan 2017 09:49 UTC
Last Modified: 04 Mar 2024 15:37 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/59827 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

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