A comparative study of maladaptive schemas and meaning of life among intellectual extremists and non-extremists in Jordan

Abstract EN

The present study examined the Difference between intellectual extremists and non-extremists in Jordan in Maladaptive Schemas and Meaning of life.

The sample of the study consisted of 100 Male (50 intellectual extremists, 50 non-extremists), aged 18 to 60 years.

The intellectual extremists were selected from Jordanian Rehabilitation Centers, who were apprehended due to their issues that related with intellectual extremism and terrorism.

The non-extremists were selected randomly from Jordanian society; these were obtained low score on intellectual extremism questionnaire.

The results indicated the presence of a statistically significant difference in maladaptive schemas between intellectual extremists and non-extremists; it's for the benefit of none intellectual extremists.

Also, it showed that the most common maladaptive schemas among intellectual extremists are: Entitlement/ Grandiosity, Self-Sacrifice and Emotional Deprivation.

Plus, no significant differences were found between intellectual extremists and non-extremists in meaning of life.

In addition, results showed the existence of ability to slope toward the intellectual extremism for four schemas only, which are: (Insufficient of self-discipline, emotional deprivation, undeveloped self-enmeshment and Defectiveness/Shame), whereas the relation between maladaptive schemas variable and the intellectual extremism was positive, and also the ability of meaning of life variable to slope toward extremism did not exist.

Conclusion: Maladaptive schema and meaning of life take a significant role in being someone extremist.

So these variables should be included in prevention and intervention programs that aim to deal with extremism thinking and to increase the awareness level about how the extremisms groups attract people to join them.

Plus, programs that aim to enhance the meaning of life are needed.