The Relationship between Existential Anxiety, Political Efficacy, Extrinsic Religiosity and Support for Violent Extremism in Indonesia

Young people’s involvement in violent extremism remains a concern in many countries, including Indonesia. This study examined direct and indirect relationships between indicators of existential anxiety, political efficacy, extrinsic religiosity, and support for violent extremism. Two hundred and ten young Indonesians were recruited to the study and all completed an anonymous online survey containing the measures of interest. The findings suggest that indicators of existential anxiety are related to greater support for violent extremism, but this relationship may be dependent on perceptions of political efficacy and religious orientation. Future research could explore whether support for violent extremism can be reduced by enhancing young people’s sense of control and political efficacy.