Psychological predictors of inceldom: The roles of misogyny, narcissistic traits, autistic traits, right-wing authoritarianism, social dominance orientation, and childhood traumatic experiences

Some of the most radicalized members of involuntary celibate (‘incel’) communities have committed violent attacks with multiple victims, highlighting the risk they pose to society—particularly women. This preliminary research aimed to determine the psychological attributes that may contribute to inceldom. Using self-report questionnaires, Study 1 examined whether misogyny, right-wing authoritarianism (RWA) and social dominance orientation (SDO) predicted the endorsement of incel ideology in a male community sample (n = 65). Again using self-report measures, Study 2 explored whether narcissistic traits and autistic traits predicted incel traits while controlling for misogyny, and if childhood traumatic experiences mediated these relationships, in a male community sample (n = 282). Misogyny and RWA were found to positively predict endorsement of incel ideology, while SDO was negatively predictive. Autistic and narcissistic traits negatively predicted incel traits, and childhood traumatic experiences mediated the relationship between narcissistic traits and incel traits. Self-identified incels scored higher than non-incels on incel traits, narcissistic traits, misogyny, and childhood traumatic experiences, but there were no differences in levels of autistic traits between the two groups. Results are discussed in relation to practical implications. By better understanding the individual differences underlying inceldom, improved deradicalization support systems can be implemented for those wishing to leave the incel community.