The effectiveness of psychosocial prevention programs against extremism and violent radicalization: An international review and meta-analysis

• In Event: Evidence-Informed Approaches to Reducing Violence and Violent Extremism

Abstract

Politically, religiously and otherwise motivated forms of extremism, radicalization and terrorism are high priority topics in many countries that led to numerous prevention programs. Psychosocial prevention programs are frequent. However, there is not yet sound knowledge on their effectiveness. Therefore, we carried out two studies: an international survey of prevention programs and a systematic review and meta-analysis of evaluations. We interviewed experts from 32 countries. We got detailed information on relevant programs. After screening about 15,000 reports we found 29 (quasi-)experimental outcome evaluations that met our (lenient) eligibility criteria. We analyzed design characteristics, program contents, samples, and effect sizes. Most programs targeted religiously motivated or right wing extremism and had a quasi-experimental design. Compared to our previous review there was a recent increase of sound studies (including some RCTs). Overall, the findings were heterogeneous. There was a mean positive effect on measures of attitudes and critical thinking, but not on behavior. Despite promising results, the low internal validity of many evaluations and small number of eligible studies limit generalization. More high-quality evaluations are necessary.

Authors

• Friedrich Loesel, Cambridge Institute of Criminology

• Irina Jugl, University of Erlangen–Nuremberg

• Sonja King, University of Erlangen–Nuremberg

• Doris Bender, University of Erlangen–Nuremberg