CBT and Cognitive Flexibility Interventions

The inclusion of a “social neuroscience perspective” (Decety, 2018) can expand our understanding of how and why some individuals are at risk for radicalization and extremist actions.  

In module one, you saw the summary of work by Koehler. In part, this showed that the work of deradicalization involves re-pluralization of political concepts and values. “A growing perception of alternative options to solve a decreasingly important (ideologically defined) problem results in a forced reflection upon the need for extreme measures, such as violence or travel to, and involvement in, a foreign conflict.” Deradicalization can also involve increasing doubt and uncertainty about the correct course of action…allowing for push and pull factors to become weighed against the individual’s commitment to violence and extremism.

Zmigrod (2019) has identified cognitive inflexibility or intolerance of ambiguity as linked to the endorsement of violence to protect an in group and willingness to die for the group. 

Social interactions and relationships can impact a person’s cognitions. Decety states “As such social bonds deepen, isolation from groups with competing values and the development of extreme beliefs facilitate interpersonal processes…” (Decety, 2017, p. 6). 

Some of the interpersonal processes identified include (Decety, 2017, p. 7): 

Conformity: Adopting the opinions, attitudes, and/or behaviors of members of a group to which one belongs or wishes to belong 

Dehumanization: Denying a person dignity, individuality, and autonomy, ensuring that one’s moral standards are not applied 

Deindividuation: Loss of identity and its automatic link to irresponsible and antisocial behaviors 

Depersonalization: Occurs when one views oneself as an archetypal member of a social group rather than as a unique individual within that group 

Diffusion of responsibility: When one feels less responsible for taking an action while in the presence of other people 

Essentializing: Attributing natural, essential characteristics to members of specifically defined groups 

Obedience to authority: Complying with commands given by an authority figure

These cognitive characteristics can be found in many individuals at risk for targeted violence and extremism. So how can a mental health specialist intervene to promote movement from cognitive inflexibility to cognitive flexibility?