Features of the materials’ of extremist orientation influence on youth audience

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Features of the materials' of extremist orientation influence on youth audience

Oselkov A.A.

Annotation

psychological extremist emotional aggression

In the article it is considered the problem of revealing of the psychological influence of materials of extremist orientation on youth audience; there are specified reasons of influence, channels of its realization. There are cited the experimental research data on revealing of the dynamics of emotional condition, relation and aggression at interaction with materials of extremist orientation, spent on 398 respondents.

Key words: extremism, attitude, social hostility, enmity and hatred on the social belonging basis, influence.

Extremism is the extreme form of social hostility which problem isn't new and was repeatedly sounded by authors in different science areas. Within the limits of forensic psychological examinations (FPE), as a direction in application of special knowledge for decision of questions on a concrete case in preliminary, or judicial, many researchers and forensic experts-psychologists in practice have already met a necessity of estimation of materials under clauses 280 of the criminal code of the Russian Federation “Public appeals to realization of extremist activity” and 282 of the criminal code of the Russian Federation “hatred or enmity excitation, and humiliation of human dignity” [3]. Thus the frequency of orders for such researches from law enforcement bodies, State and private organizations grows, the methodology of forensic psychological examination of materials of the extremist orientation is absent at present time. Lists of features which experts are guided, as a rule, are created on the basis of precedents and consequently aren't exhaustive, or, on the contrary, are surplus, frequently cross and duplicate each other. It is caused by that the content of influence of materials of extremist orientation on audience isn't revealed and experimentally isn't studied.

These factors have caused a necessity of realization of the research which purpose was revealing of features of materials' of extremist orientation influence on youth audience.

The expert-psychologist can draw the conclusion of whether certain materials possess features of extremist orientation that is important for making a decision on a concrete case by the court of Law. The investigation can recognize that their publication is a crime, and then can count it lawful even at the affirmative answer on the extremist orientation of these materials (for example, at publication in the textbook for experts or inspectors).

Any illegal actions against physical and legal bodies on the basis of their belonging to group are displays of social enmity and components of extremist activity. concepts “race”, “nationality”, “religious belonging” and other features resulted in the criminal legislation (16 in all), are simply enumeration of various groups crimes against which more often appeared in investigatory practice, i.e. distinguished on the basis of precedents. In connection with impossibility to make this list full (it is possible to distinguish groups by infinite quantity of bases, so in regulatory legal statements there appear a “residence”, “sex”, “work place”, “language belonging”, etc.); it is necessary to generalize all these categories into one concept which became a concept of “group” as a social-psychological phenomenon.

On the basis of review of the researches devoted to social intensity during the last years, and also criminal cases, materials of forensic examinations (basically psychological, linguistic and psychologically-linguistic), there has been distinguished six base reasons of its formation. The list continuation is possible, however, other factors also influencing occurrence of social conflicts either simply correlate with the phenomena specified by us, i.e. indirectly influence society, or they are a consequence of elements of this list. There are distinguished six of them:

? strengthening of migratory processes;

? competition at labor market;

? deterioration of living conditions;

? criminal factor;

? need for inclusion into a corresponding subculture;

? narrowness of contact to more economically effective society.

To the objective party of a crime “extremism” or to a way of its realization concerning a psychological component, there corresponds “propagation” which is understood as psychological influence on the audience, conducted by special methods, with a view to distribution of any ideas, views, ideas and inducements to actions, and also formation of certain needs, purposes, motives of behavior among people. Analyzing the stated above definitions, it is possible to draw a conclusion that basic elements of the propagation process are: 1) its subject (the social group, which interests propagation expresses); 2) object (audience or social generalities to which the propagation is addressed); 3) forms and methods; 4) content (text or other equivalent); 5) means and channels of propagation.

To such channels of propagation as the press, radio, television and public statements, distinguished by A.R. Ratinov, M.V.Kroz and N.A.Ratinova [2], there is added one more - the multimedia information networks (Internet) which is an integrity of all mass-media stated above since it allows to operate printing, audile, visual and other information. In their relation there are distinguished and revealed such features, as 1) easy access, 2) activity, 3) group character, 4) multimedia character, 5) openness and extensiveness, 6) anonymity.

We consider propagation as a set of two components: persuasion and suggestion.

The indispensable condition of persuasion is a strict following to logic rules as it appeals to rational thinking of the subject, his reason. At the heart of suggestion there lies easing of the conscious control action which is realized by the individual concerning the perceived information.

creation of audience's attitudes in itself isn't sufficient to lead the influence to a result necessary to author. For this purpose formation of attitudes of negative character should be accompanied by confirmation in practice. These two lines of activity more often meet in a uniform complex, however in some cases they can be divided and correspond to a direct propagation and indirect propagation.

The direct propagation is creation of audience's certain attitudes. The indirect propagation is a confirmation of attitudes already existing at audience. In this sense it is possible both together with the direct one (the most widespread variant), and separately (in two variants).

The first variant: the audience doesn't possess images which the author supports.

The indirect propagation is only addition to the direct one.

The second variant: the audience already possesses the required images; connections between images of certain groups and images of actions are established. The influence, rendered by the author, strengthens these connections, increases intensity of attitudes, actualization of needs, entering into its structure. In result the influence actualizes xenophobic attitudes.

Revealing of the audience of these materials is important for definition, whether it has the required attitudes and consequently should be included into a research part of the expert's work.

In practice more often there is a simultaneous realization of the direct and indirect propagation of extremism which is designated as a complex propagation.

Materials of extremist orientation can provoke social hostility in society without dependence on initial motives of their creation, or distribution, and the legislator should limit influence of such materials on audience. For a legal context it is important the objective orientation - what purposes are really reached in society by a concrete action (for example by publication of materials). Thus the purposes of activity of the author and the publisher of materials can be absolutely different, not having the direct relation to extremism. An orientation, in turn, can be defined on the effect which causes the audience's acquaintance with the material. here participation of the psychologist is especially important since it deals not only with information source, but also with its receiver - the audience.

We had studied archives of expert establishments of Kaluga, Rostov-on-Don and Volgograd during the period since 1997 till 2009. Thus within the limits of expert practice it has been studied 1036 materials potentially containing signs of extremism on which basis there have been distinguished general and private problems of FPE of materials of extremist orientation, its object and subject; there was distinguished the basic methodical way by which it is designated the criteria focused analysis; there is made the list of recommended questions.

For revealing of features of materials' of extremist orientation influence on youth audience we have spent the experimental research constructed under the standard plan for two randomized groups with the preliminary and resulting testing.

As the main requirement to participants of the experiment is susceptibility of its participants to psychological influence of materials of extremist orientation, the experimental research has been spent on pupils of educational institutions into which there entered people of both sexes, different ethnocultural belonging from 16 to 25 years, i.e. the group was homogeneous.

At studying of the materials potentially containing signs of extremism within the limits of 50 homogeneous FPE and complex examinations with participation of the psychologist, there have been distinguished five generalized groups which became the objects of extremist activity, namely “caucasian”, “jew”, “Asian”, “American” and “Russian”.

On the whole group of examinees there was conducted the psychodiagnostic research, then the program “Microsoft Excel” in a random way divided examinees into the control and experimental group in an equal parity. In a month the control group was given the same techniques again, and the participants of the experimental one at first read the text of extremist orientation, and further carried out the task-retest. Thus in the experimental group half of respondents was given the text containing the complex propagation of xenophobic attitudes, and another half - the indirect propagation for the influence differentiation. In these subgroups two texts for reading were offered: the one directed on kindling of enmity concerning the generalized group “jews”, and the second one concerning the generalized group “caucasians”.

The cluster analysis has shown that experimental and control groups have got into different clusters. At carrying out of techniques, there weren't revealed significant shifts on the control group. At the same time in the experimental group such changes have been noted.

For distinguishing in the sample the group of persons obviously possessing expressed intolerant attitudes there have been spent a “Tolerance index” technique of g.U. Soldatova, O.A. Kravtsova, O.E. Khukhlaev and L.A. Shaigerova, which doesn't diagnose some parties of the tolerant person, but is a “complex technique” and allows to differentiate respondents' level of ethnic, social tolerance and tolerance as personality's feature. groups with average and high level of tolerance united as not possessing the required attitudes. Shift of values on each of other techniques in this experiment was counted up in the resulted two groups.

Further, as one of the research problems is studying of dynamics of emotional conditions, there were used the color choice test of M. Lusher and the “SAM” technique. Influence on aggressive reactions was investigated by means of the hand test of E. Wagner and the projective drawing technique consisting of five parts: “caucasian in my country”, “jew in my country”, “Asian in my country”, “American in my country”, “Russian in my country”. Revealing of actualization of negative attitudes by materials of extremist orientation was defined by means of the “End the sentence” technique, the color test of relations of Etkind and the “Semantic differential” of ch. Osgood. Thus last three techniques were also spent on the categories “caucasian”, “Asian”, “jew”, “American”, “Russian”.

After reception of the retest results there were removed the data to which there were attributed 1) the forms of examinees being not filled up to the end, 2) blanks in answers, 3) the extreme consent on all questions, including the return, 4) only average answers, and also 5) the forms of the examinees who were present only at the test or only at the retest (on the sample of research of S.N. Asmolov and N.P. Tsibulsky on adaptation of the BPAQ technique) [1, 43].

By the “Tolerance index” technique 12 % of respondents of the experimental group possessed expressed intolerant attitudes and 88 % - didn't possess; 8 % of the control group possessed, 92 % - didn't possess.

Results are conditionally divided into four groups: the first - results of the complex propagation on the persons possessing expressed intolerant attitudes, the second - on the persons not possessing those, the third - the indirect propagation on carriers of xenophobic attitudes, the fourth - on not carriers. The significance value for these groups is designated accordingly “Ð1”, “Ð2”, “Ð3” and “Ð4”.

For revealing of statistically significant shift of results there has been used the pair T-criterion of Wilcoxon. For the experiment's correctness check and disposal of collateral variables it was used the cluster analysis by K-averages. Data processing was carried out in the program «SPSS» since this software package allows to process the data files, exceeding the tabular.

The results of the experimental research

On the technique of M. Lusher significant shifts have occurred on three groups of signs. There have decreased the values on the categories “joyful, “solar” mood” (Ð1 = 0,004, Ð2 = 0,032, Ð3 = 0,045, Ð4 = 0,005), and also “complacency”, “light euphoria”, “comfort” (Ð1 = 0,030, Ð2 = 0,011, Ð3 = 0,028, Ð4 = 0,040). This results from the fact that these texts have negative, destructive character. Significance of such results is caused by that the person in counterbalanced, easy, light, elated mood is capable and inclined to experience faster, he controls his emotions and behavior much more confidently. Thus, at decrease in comfort of emotional condition the person is less restrained, sharper in reactions, he is easier to be provoked to aggression, deviant behavior.

It is also proved by that “sorrow”, “melancholy”, “sadness” in the group possessing expressed intolerant attitudes have raised (Ð1 = 0,045, Ð3 = 0,038). Decreasing on the first two scales and increase on the third strengthen each other. Totally it makes possible to draw the conclusion on general decrease in emotional background, deterioration of mood of examinees.

The data received in result of carrying out of the “SAM” completely corresponds to results of the color test of M. Lusher. The Wilcoxon's criterion has shown significant shifts on three groups of features. There have decreased the values on the categories “lovely”, “good mood”, “happy”, “cheerful”, “enthusiastic”, “joyful”, “optimistic” (Ð1 = 0,046, Ð2 = 0,046, Ð3 = 0,032, Ð4 = 0,031), and also “weakened”, “indifferent”, “calm”, “full of hopes”, “content” (Ð1 = 0,004, Ð2 = 0,022, Ð3 = 0,008, Ð4 = 0,020). There have raised the variants “melancholy”, “bad mood”, “unfortunate”, “dismal”, “despondent”, “sad”, “disappointed”, “pessimistic” (Ð1 = 0,022, Ð2 = 0,025, Ð3 = 0,041, Ð4 = 0,044).

The worse are living conditions of the person, the more he is inclined to xenophobia displays in a barefaced form. Proceeding from these the results of the color test of Lusher and the “SAM” technique show that texts of extremist orientation cause emotional conditions which promote open display of animosity, aggression.

Besides these there was revealed that, despite uniformity of the group, distribution of values of the sign occurred not on a curve of normal distribution. At clusterization two clusters have been revealed: into the first there have entered the respondents possessing intolerant attitudes, and into the second there have entered the respondents not possessing the same.

Also we have revealed that on the Semantic differential significance of shift was also different in different groups distinguished in result of the “Tolerance index” technique carrying out. Relation to groups “caucasians” (Ð1 = 0,009, Ð2 = 0,008, Ð3 = 0,012, Ð4 - no correlation) and “jews” (Ð1 = 0,049, Ð2 = 0,040, Ð3 = 0,049, Ð4 - no correlation) became more negative.

On the color test of relations of Etkind relation to the generalized groups “jews”

(P1 = 0,026, Ð2 = 0,044, Ð3 = 0,042, Ð4 - no correlation) and “caucasians” (P1 = 0,048, Ð2 = 0,040, Ð3 = 0,049, Ð4 - no correlation) has worsened.

Totally results of these two techniques allow to affirm that materials of extremist orientation cause negativization of relations to some social groups, on kindling of enmity to which materials are directed in a case of presence, as a part of extremism propagation, of the direct propagation or in a case of the indirect one on the audience which possesses expressed intolerant attitudes.

As to social attitudes, by the “End the sentence” technique there have turned out the following significant results: on the affective component there was an increase of negative characteristics attributed to groups “jews” (P1 = 0,028, Ð2 = 0,042, Ð3 = 0,049, Ð4 - no correlation) and “caucasians” (P1 = 0,043, Ð2 = 0,021, Ð3 = 0,40, Ð4 - no correlations), on the connotative - there have increased the negativism also in relation to “jews” (P1 = 0,030, Ð2 = 0,032, Ð3 = 0,033, Ð4 - no correlation) and “caucasians” (P1 = 0,009, Ð2 = 0,010, Ð3 = 0,034, Ð4 - no correlation).

First two shifts show that reading of materials of extremist orientation has caused change of affective component of attitudes to two groups about which there were materials, and second two shifts say that people became more inclined to actions against them owing to they have read these texts.

Since cognitive images of the investigated five “groups-irritants” were among all examinees, and also basing the results received by these technique, we can say that materials of extremist orientation actualize audience's negative attitudes. Thus shift of results has occurred similarly to that in dynamics of aggression and relation.

Also there has been revealed that distribution of values of the sign has occurred not on a curve of normal distribution. clusterization has shown two clusters also: into the first there have entered the respondents possessing the intolerant attitudes; into the second there have entered the respondents not possessing the same.

By the “hand test” technique it has been revealed that the index of open aggressive behavior has increased with high level of significance (Ð1 = 0,008, Ð2 = 0,013, Ð3 = 0,022, Ð4 - no correlation). however, some features which have been revealed at processing are also interesting. Results of the technique are displayed on 11 scales: aggression, instructions, fear, attachment, communication, dependence, exhibitionism, crippling, active impersonality, passive impersonality, description. Then under the formula

? (“aggression” + “instructions”) - ? (“fear” + “attachment” +

+ “communication” + “dependence”)

there is calculated the index of open aggressive behavior. Thus the first sum shows an aggression level, and the second - an adaptability level, i.e. the parameter compensating aggression, reducing probability of open aggression. “Aggression” has changed with insufficient level of significance while “Adaptability” has decreased (Ð1 = 0,004, Ð2 = 0,004, Ð3 = 0,009, Ð4 - no correlation). It shows that materials of extremist orientation don't create aggression, and, instead, reduce a level of compensating mechanisms, called to limit aggressive behavior. Accordingly, as a result, people reading materials of extremist orientation become less tolerant, restrained, counterbalanced that leads to sharper, explosive reactions, aggravates intensity of display of negative attitude to representatives of other social groups and causes open aggressive behavior concerning enemies. Thus in a case of the indirect propagation on tolerant audience such effect is not observed.

Results of the “hand test” of Wagner have been confirmed by the data of the projective drawing test. On the last there are two trustworthy shifts: increase of signs of aggression at drawing of the “caucasian in my country” image (Ð1 = 0,022, Ð2 = 0,018, Ð3 = 0,009, Ð4 - no correlation) and the “jew in my country” image (Ð1 = 0,049, Ð2 = 0,049, Ð3 = 0,038, Ð4 - no correlations). Accordingly, it is legitimate the conclusion that materials of extremist orientation cause aggressive relation to needs of the groups generalized on the basis of social belonging in relation to which social enmity is raised.

Thus, it is possible to make the empirically valid conclusion that texts containing the direct propagation of extremism promote formation of a negative image of some social groups, increase of a level of aggression' open display, strong decrease in a level of positive emotions and increase of negative ones, and also activation of attitudes on actions against the specified groups, and concerning the persons already possessing expressed intolerant attitudes - it actualizes them and raises their expressiveness. clusterization has also shown two clusters here: into the first there have entered the respondents possessing intolerant attitudes, and into the second there have entered the respondents not possessing the same.

Distinguishing of identical clusters at distribution of the sign and at studying of emotional conditions, relations, aggression depending on presence of intolerant attitudes shows that important is not only revealing of materials of extremist orientation, but also propagation of tolerant behavior of citizens. generalizing the results of the realized research, we made a number of conclusions.

1. Materials of extremist orientation are the materials containing propagation of political, ideological, racial, national or religious hatred or enmity or hatred or enmity concerning any social group.

2. They cause change of emotional condition, decrease of a level of expressiveness of such conditions, as “joyful, “solar” mood”, “complacency”, “light euphoria”, “comfort”, “lovely”, “good mood”, “happy”, “cheerful”, “enthusiastic”, “joyful”, “optimistic”, “weakened”, “indifferent”, “calm”, “full of hopes”, “content” and increase of such as “melancholy”, “bad mood”, “unfortunate”, “dismal”, “despondent”, “sad”, “disappointed”, “pessimistic”

3. Besides this they actualize audience's negative attitudes to some generalized groups at their presence.

4. It is experimentally confirmed that materials of extremist orientation cause change of relation to some generalized social groups into more negative at the complex propagation of extremism, or the indirect one - concerning groups possessing expressed intolerant attitudes. On groups not possessing the same the indirect propagation doesn't render such influence.

5. It is proved that materials of extremist orientation cause increase of indexes of open aggression, first of all, at the expense of decrease of mechanisms of adaptation to conflict situations both among persons possessing expressed intolerant attitudes, and among the others.

6. It is revealed that among persons not possessing intolerant attitudes at the complex propagation negative attitudes are formed, and at the indirect - aren't formed.

7. It is defined that materials of extremist orientation form negative relation and aggressive attitude concerning concrete social groups, instead of simply raise a level of intolerance.

8. It is revealed that materials of extremist orientation increase a level of xenophobic displays not to all “foreigners” among respondents, but form them concerning concrete social groups.

References

1. Enikolopov S.N., Tsibulsky N.P. The techniques of aggression diagnostics // Psychological diagnostics. - 2007. - # 3. - P. 41-73.

2. Ratinov A.R., Kroz M.V, Ratinova N.A. Responsibility for enmity and hatred kindling. Psychological and legal characteristic / Under the edition of Ratinova N.A. - Ì.: Publishing house “Yurlitinform”, 2005. - 253 p.

3. The criminal code of the Russian Federation. - M.: Rolf: Airis, 2009. - 191 p.

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