Research Article
Absolute Language as a Symbolic Image: Leading Risk Behaviors in Jihadist Contexts
Zohreh Mehravipour*
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 1, February 2025
Pages:
1-6
Received:
28 November 2024
Accepted:
18 December 2024
Published:
7 January 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.pbs.20251401.11
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Abstract: This paper investigates the role of absolute language as a symbolic image, emphasizing its capacity to provoke psychological defenses and influence risk behaviors in jihadist contexts. Drawing on extensive ethnographic research conducted in Afghanistan (2013–2023) and integrating insights from Terror Management Theory (TMT), this study explores the paradoxical relationship between rigid religious doctrines and risk-taking behaviors, such as smoking and substance abuse. The research highlights how absolute language—characterized by its definitive and non-negotiable nature—triggers existential anxiety by vividly presenting spiritual safetyism, often framed through notions of salvation and eternal punishment. This anxiety fosters both compliance with extremist ideologies and behaviors that directly contradict religious teachings. Through in-depth case studies, the findings demonstrate that smoking and substance use act as coping mechanisms, enabling individuals to alleviate the psychological burden imposed by absolute doctrines. For instance, jihadists engaged in smoking despite its prohibition, citing its calming effects amid the fear-inducing rhetoric of religious sermons. By applying TMT, the study argues that absolute language operates similarly to visual mortality salience cues, evoking defensive reactions to mitigate existential fears. These reactions paradoxically manifest as behaviors that are both symbolic affirmations of identity and defiance against vulnerability. The dual impact of absolute language—reinforcing radicalization while normalizing risk behaviors—underscores its socio-psychological complexity. This paper concludes by emphasizing the need for deradicalization strategies and public health interventions that address the psychological toll of absolute language. Such initiatives should offer alternative narratives that promote personal agency and healthier coping mechanisms. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the interplay between language, radicalization, and risk-taking behaviors, offering actionable insights for policymakers, mental health practitioners, and researchers.
Abstract: This paper investigates the role of absolute language as a symbolic image, emphasizing its capacity to provoke psychological defenses and influence risk behaviors in jihadist contexts. Drawing on extensive ethnographic research conducted in Afghanistan (2013–2023) and integrating insights from Terror Management Theory (TMT), this study explores the...
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Research Article
Addressing Emotional Dysregulation in Experimental Design
Alain Finet,
Julie Laznicka*
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 1, February 2025
Pages:
7-18
Received:
24 January 2025
Accepted:
8 February 2025
Published:
20 February 2025
Abstract: This article describes the set-up of an experimental protocol to take into account the effects of emotional adaptation following stock market decision-making. Basically, the qualitative models used to analyze the behavior of small investors in experimental finance consider three areas of analysis (a socio-demographic analysis, a socio-cultural analysis and an analysis of the psychological reality of individuals). These different areas would then influence the emotions felt, which would stimulate the development of behavioral and cognitive biases. Finally, the latter would ultimately be responsible for influencing decision-making processes. Firstly, our protocol is based on this traditional view of the different factors influencing individual investors' decision-making. Secondly, we suggest a retrospective approach as we believe that the confrontation between expectations and the results generated by decision-making have a feedback effect on the emotional patterns developed by individual investors, and on their psychological reality. Indeed, the increasing number of different emotions tends to "plunge" them into an “emotional bath” in which they can no longer regulate their emotions. This could result in abandonment versus euphoria. According to some authors, “emotional dysregulation” is the result of excessive emotional involvement. Since the stock market is an uncertain environment, where decisions must be made quickly and risks are high, emotional regulation strategies become difficult to apply. Finally, this experimental protocol, supported by qualitative methodological techniques implemented sequentially, makes it possible to analyze emotions as the experiment progresses. We believe this approach offers real added value on two levels. Firstly, even though behavioral finance questions the foundations of traditional finance (and the assumption of rationality), it most often uses quantitative measurement tools. For this purpose, the literature clearly highlights the under-representation of qualitative methodologies in this field. Secondly, the few studies supported by qualitative approaches aim at identifying cause-and-effect links between elements which, in some cases, are difficult to measure and cannot be approached in a linear process. This protocol provides a precise understanding of how emotional patterns and their changes over time might affect the decision-making processes of individual investors.
Abstract: This article describes the set-up of an experimental protocol to take into account the effects of emotional adaptation following stock market decision-making. Basically, the qualitative models used to analyze the behavior of small investors in experimental finance consider three areas of analysis (a socio-demographic analysis, a socio-cultural anal...
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