Links between depression and the risk of developing extremist ideas

Depressive symptoms are associated with a higher risk of sympathies for violent protest and terrorism (SVPT), according to a study led by Queen Mary University of London (QMUL). The study, published in The British Journal of Psychiatry , also found that some adverse life events and levels of political engagement were associated with a lower risk of SVPT. This particularly included the death of a close friend and donating money to a charity. The study surveyed 608 people of Pakistani and Bangladeshi family origin, aged between 18 and 45, of Muslim heritage and living in Bradford and East London, UK. The SVPT measure was designed to assess early stages of vulnerability to radicalisation by answers to 16 questions about support for, or condemnation of, acts of protest characterised by differing levels of violence and extremist behaviour. The participants were also interviewed about adverse life events they experienced in the preceding 12 months including injury, bereavement, loss of job and problems with the police or courts. Questions to determine political engagement addressed items such as voting, political discussions, signing a petition, donations to charity, voluntary work and participation in a demonstration.