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Hopecel : a qualitative analysis of an extreme incel using hope theory

Rüter genannt Holthoff, G.L.J.M. (2020) Hopecel : a qualitative analysis of an extreme incel using hope theory.

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Abstract:Involuntary celibacy describes the state of lacking desired intimate. The incel community is a loose collection of online forums about inceldom. Much discourse in the incel community has turned misogynistic. One of the most notorious incels is Elliot Rodger, who committed mass-murder suicide in 2014. Research about Rodger has focused on negative aspects, while neglecting positive psychological aspects. To address this gap, we investigated the manifesto left behind by Rodger using hope theory (Snyder, 2002). We asked how low trait hope and in what way prosocial and antisocial goals could be identified in his manifesto. Rodger’s manifesto was analysed using deductive content analysis. The source document was coded guided by hope theory. Aspects of low trait hope were identified in Rodger’s goal setting, pathway thinking, and agency thinking. Furthermore, Rodger’s experienced multiple real-world aspects related to low trait hope. Rodger gradually changed from having prosocial to antisocial goals, the latter of which he ultimately acted out. Rodger’s problems were related to his debilitating goal setting. He could not create plausible routes towards his goals and had low motivation concerning his goal-pursuit. Future research is needed to investigate whether trait hope plays a similar role in the lives of other incels.
Item Type:Essay (Master)
Faculty:BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences
Subject:77 psychology
Programme:Psychology MSc (66604)
Link to this item:https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/83030
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