Psychological correlates of inceldom: An exploratory study

To prevent radicalisation into the involuntary celibate (‘incel’) community, it is critical to understand individual differences underlying inceldom. This exploratory research aimed to examine relationships between inceldom and attitudinal and trait-based risk factors for extremism. Study 1 explored relationships between misogyny, right-wing authoritarianism (RWA), social dominance orientation (SDO), and incel ideology endorsement in a male community sample (n = 65). Using another male community sample (n = 282), Study 2 examined associations between autistic traits, incel traits, and childhood traumatic experiences (CTE). Results showed that misogyny and RWA positively predicted incel ideology endorsement, while SDO was negatively predictive. Autistic traits and CTE were positively associated with incel traits. Self-identified incels scored higher than non-incels on incel traits, misogyny, and CTE, but did not differ on autistic traits. Results are discussed in relation to improving deradicalisation support systems for those wishing to leave the incel community.