The role trauma plays in radicalization into white supremacist and white nationalist extremism

This study examines how unresolved trauma can contribute to radicalization within white supremacist and nationalist movements, posing a growing threat to U.S. democracy and marginalized communities. Using a trauma-informed, constructivist grounded theory approach, 18 interviews with former extremists revealed that emotional pain and the search for belonging make individuals vulnerable to online extremist recruitment. These spaces transform trauma into grievance and reinforce hate-based ideologies. The study calls for integrating psychosocial and trauma-informed strategies into prevention efforts. Social workers, through mental health and community engagement roles, are uniquely positioned to intervene, prevent radicalization, and support those exiting extremist movements.