Department of Conflict Resolution Studies Theses and Dissertations

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Date of Award

1-1-2026

Document Type

Dissertation - NSU Access Only

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy in Conflict Analysis and Resolution

First Advisor

Ismael Muvingi

Keywords

cognitive dissonance; conflict resolution; extremism; grounded theory; intergroup conflict; outgroup animosity

Abstract

The shared beliefs and values of a group can lead to animosity towards outgroup members, especially in the context of intergroup conflict. In extreme examples, this animosity can lead to violence. Beyond any issues of scarce resources, competing values, or ideological differences, the animosity held by individual group members toward outgroup members can make it difficult to resolve conflict. This grounded theory research study maps out the processes that group members of extremist groups go through to address their outgroup animosity. The resulting theory maps how individuals build a negative view of outgroup members and how they reverse these views through their journey of group participation. At the center of the theory sits severe discomfort resulting from the extensive cognitive dissonance required to maintain an extremist ideology, and how this allows for ruptures in adherence to the ideology, which in turn opens opportunities for changing how someone views outgroup members. Grounded in the lived experiences of former members of extremist groups, the theory generated has implications for developing approaches for supporting people to leave similar groups, for how group members can overcome bias and animosity towards outgroups, and how these factors can be addressed to resolve conflict.

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