# Understanding Violent Radicalization and Conspiracy Belief in Dutch Youth Aged 16–25: A Latent Profile Analysis

## TL;DR

This study explores how violent radicalization and belief in conspiracies manifest in Dutch youth aged 16–25, identifying distinct profiles based on these beliefs.

## Contribution

The study introduces a novel approach using latent profile analysis to uncover distinct subgroups of youth with varying levels of violent radicalization and conspiracy belief.

## Key findings

- Six distinct profiles of youth were identified, differing in levels of violent radicalization and conspiracy belief.
- Youth with heightened radicalization tended to be younger, male, and politically extreme.
- Higher conspiracy belief was associated with vocational education backgrounds.

## Abstract

Violent radicalization linked to conspiracy belief has gained increasing attention over the last few years, yet little is known about these dynamics in youth. In this study, a latent profile analysis was conducted to better understand violent radicalization in the context of conspiracy belief among youth aged 16–25. Participants were 2297 Dutch adolescents and emerging adults (Mage = 19.55, SDage = 2.75; 63.3% female). Six profiles were identified, varying in levels of violent radicalization and conspiracy belief. While the largest profile indicated low levels of both, two smaller profiles showed heightened violent radicalization, with differing conspiracy belief. Heightened radicalization profiles were generally younger, male, and more politically extreme, whereas vocational education was more prevalent in high conspiracy profiles. Overall, the findings highlight different manifestations of violent radicalization and conspiracy belief in middle to late adolescence and emerging adulthood and the importance of considering individual and broader contextual conditions.